•    NRLF 


III 


,c   U 


FLORA'S   LEXICON: 


AN 


INTERPRETATION 


THE  LANGUAGE  AND  SENTIMENT 


OF 


FLOWERS: 


WITH 


AN   OUTLINE    OF    BOTANY, 


AND   A 


POETICAL  INTRODUCTION. 


BY   CATHARINE   H.    WATERMAN. 


BOSTON: 
PHILLIPS,   SAMPSON,   AND   COMPANY. 

NEW   YORK:    J.   C.  DERBY. 
1855. 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1839, 

BY   HOOKER  &  CLAXTON, 

In  the  clerk's  office  of  the  district  court  of  the  eastern  district  of 
Pennsylvania. 


ALVAN  B.  HASTY,  PRINTER, 
3  "WATER  ST.,  BOSTON. 


LANDSCAPE 


Els 


LANDSCAPE 
ARCH. 
LIBRARY 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


THE  language  of  flowers  has  recently  attracted  so 
much  attention,  that  an  acquaintance  with  it  seems  to 
be  deemed,  if  not  an  essential  part  of  a  polite  educa- 
tion, at  least  a  graceful  and  elegant  accomplishment. 
A  volume  furnishing  a  complete  interpretation  of  those 
meanings  most  generally  attached  to  flowers,  has 
therefore  become  a  desirable,  if  not  an  essential  part 
of  a  gentleman's  or  a  lady's  library.  In  the  manual 
now  offered  to  the  public,  an  attempt  has  been  made 
to  comprise  all  that  is  important  in  the  way  of  inter- 
pretation in  a  reasonable  compass,  and  to  adorn  this 
part  of  the  work  with  such  quotations  from  the  best 
poets  of  our  language,  both  native  and  foreign,  as 
have  a  direct  and  graceful  reference  either  to  the 
peculiarities  of  the  flowers,  or  to  the  sentiments  which 
they  are  made  to  express.  The  outline  of  Botany 
placed  at  the  end  of  the  volume  will  be  found  to  con- 
tain a  sufficiently  clear  exposition  of  the  Linnean  sys- 
tem to  explain  fully  the  scientific  terms  and  the  classi- 
fication used  in  the  body  of  the  work. 


093 


(3) 


EXPLANATION  OF  THE  PLATES. 


FRONTISPIECE. 

ROSE.  IVY.  MYRTLE.  —  To  Beauty,  Friendship  and 
Love. 

» 
To  face  page  72. 

SCARLET  IPOMCEA.  LAURUSTINUS.  CONVOLVULUS. — I  attach 
myself  to  you,  but  shiill  die  if  neglected. 

To  face  page  132. 

JASMINE.  STRAWBERRY.  TULIP. — Be  not  too  early  en- 
tangled in  the  charms  of  love,  or  yours  will  be  a  life  of 
inquietude. 

To  face  page  192. 

CROWN  IMPERIAL.  TURK'S-CAP  LILY.  LILY  OP  THE  VAL- 
LEY.— You  have  the  power  to  restore  me  to  happiness. 

(5) 


INTRODUCTORY   VERSES. 


THE 


LANGUAGE  OF  FLOWERS. 


EARTH  hath  a  thousand  tongues,  tha    swell 

In  converse  soft,  and  low— 
We  hear  them  in  the  flowery  dell, 

And  where  the  waters  flow. 
We  note  them  when  the  pliant  reed 

Bends  to  the  summer  air, 
Its  low-toned  music  gently  freed 

By  the  soft  breezes  there; 
And  angels  from  their  starry  height, 
On  hills,  and  dales,  and  green  banks  write. 

There  is  a  language  in  each  flower 

That  opens  to  the  eye, 
A  voiceless  —  but  a  magic  power, 

Doth  in  earth's  blossoms    lie ; 
The  flowering  Almond,  first  to  bring 

Its  perfume  to  the  breeze, 
The  earliest  at  the  call  of  spring, 

Among  the  green-clad  trees, 
Whispers  of  Indiscretion's  fate, 
Trusting  too  soon — convinced  too  late. 


INTRODUCTORY    VERSES. 


The  Wall  Flower  clinging  cheerfully, 

Amid  decaying  bloom, 
Tells  of  the  heart's  fidelity, 

In  stern  misfortune's  gloom ; 
And  like  the  clasping  Ivy  vine, 

When  all  around  depart, 
Closer  in  storms  the  bonds  entwine, 

Of  friendship  round  the  heart. 
And  glory's  crown  is  proudly  seen, 
In  the  bright  Laurel's  evergreen. 

Hope  smiles  amid  the  blossoms  white 

That  crown  the  Hawthorn  bough, 
And  in  the  Myrtle's  leaflets  bright, 

Love  softly  breathes  his  vow. 
The  little  Lily  of  the  Vale 

Seems  sent  our  hearts  to  bless, 
Still  whispering,  on  spring's  balmy  gale, 

Return  of  Happiness. 
While  blooming  on  some  favour'd  spot, 
We  trust  to  thee,  Forget-me-not. 

And  quivering  to  the  lightest  wind 

That  fans  the  summer  flower, 
The  Aspen's  tender  leaves  we  find, 

Shrinking  beneath  its  power, 
At  every  trembling  breath  that  steals 

Its  spreading  boughs  between, 
Each  little  blossom's  leaf  reveals 

A  pang  of  misery  keen ; 


INTRODUCTORY    VERSUS. 


Like  lightly  utter'd  careless  words, 
Wounding  the  heart's  half-broken  chords* 

Woe  for  the  Aspen  tree  —  and  woe 

For  hearts  too  finely  strung, 
The  tempest  wind  shall  round  them  blow, 

And  heart  —  and  branch,  be  wrung; 
The  storm's  dread  wing  shall  o'er  them  sweep, 

And  bow  them  to  the  blast, 
While  each  must  early  learn,  to  weep 

The  hopes  that  could  not  last: 
The  bosom's  sensibility, 
pictured  in  the  Aspen  tree. 

The  little  Blue  Bell  lifts  its  head 

The  Amaryllis  beside, 
Emblems,  upon  their  grassy  bed, 

Of  Lowliness  and  Pride,— 
Bright  as  the  summer's  bluest  cloud, 

Each  opening  Bell   appears, 
The  sun,  that  gilds  the  floweret  proud, 

Its  humble  blossom  cheers; 
Sweeter  the  Blue  Bell's  lowly  mien, 
Than  Pride,  in  dazzling  radiance  seen. 

The  variegated  Columbine 

Hangs  its  bright  head  to  earth, 
As  half  ashamed  the  sun  should  shine 

Upon  its  place  of  birth ; 


10  INTRODUCTORY    VERSES. 

And  drooping  on  its  tender  stem, 
As  the  low  night-wind  swells, 

It  seems  in  many  a  dew-drop  gem, 
Like  Folly's  Cap,  and  Bells ; 

Rung  by  the  wind  in  frolic  play, 

Whene'er  they  sportive  pass  that  way. 

The  Musk  Rose  loads  the  evening  breeze, 

With  its  own  rich  perfume, 
Wafting  far  incense  thro'  the  trees, 

From  its  thick  clustering  bloom  ; 
Charming,  as  Beauty's  palmiest  hours, 

Capricious  as  its  smiles, 
One  Summer  sees  it  crown'd  with  flowers, 

The  next  no  breezy  wiles 
Can  lure  one  bud,  where  thousands  smiled,- 
And  hence  capricious  Beauty  styled. 

And  what  is  beauty?  —  lo,  the  sun 

That  left  the  blooming  spray, 
Shines  once  again  the  boughs  upon  — 

The  Roses  —  where  are  they? 
Some  strew  with  leaves  the  grassy  plain, 

Flashing  in  crimson  hue, 
Some  languish  there,  that  ne'er  again 

Shall  drink  the  evening  dew; 
And  fleeting  Beauty's  sadden'd  close, 
Is  traced  in  the   pale,  wither'd  Rose. 


INTRODUCTORY    VERSES.  11 


What  brings  the  bright  and  shining  leaf, 

The  scarlet  Poppy  wears? 
A  consolation  for  our  grief, 

A  solace  for  our  cares ; 
The  ancients  wreathed  the  brows  of  sleep, 

With  the  rich  Poppy  flowers, 
For  slumber  dries  the  eyes  that  weep, 

And  pictures  happier  hours ; 
And  in  its  scarlet  blossom  rests 

A  healing  balm  for  wounded  breasts. 

Yes  —  flowers  have  tones  —  God  gave  to  each 

A  language  of  its  own, 
And  bade  the  simple  blossom  teach 

Where'er  its  seeds  are  sown ; 
His  voice  is  on  the  mountain's  height 

And  by  the  river's  side, 
Where  flowers  blush  in  glowing  light, 

In  Lowliness,  or  Pride; 
We  feel,  o'er  all  the  blooming  sod, 
It  is  the  language  of  our  God. 

Ho  spreads  the  earth  an  open  book 

In  characters  of  life, 
All  where  the  human  eye  doth  look 

Seems  with  his  glory  rife; 
He  paints  upon  the  burning  sky 

In  every  gleaming  star, 
The  wonder  of  his  nomes  on  high, 

Shining  to  faith  afar; 


12  INTRODUCTORY    VERSES. 

His  voice  is  in  the  tempest's  wrath, 
And  in  the  soft  south  zephyr's  path. 

For  us,  frail,  feeble  things  of  clay, 

Are  all  these  beauties  given, 
The  glorious,  wide-spread  orb  of  day, 

And  the  bright  starry  heaven ; 
The  far-stretch'd  waters,  and  the  land, 

The  mountain,  and  the  plain, 
These  are  the  free  gifts  of  his  hand, 

And  shall  they  plead  in  vain? 
Rocks,  hills,  and  flowers,  their  homage  pav, 
And  shall  we  worship  less  than  they? 

No  —  from  the  green  enamelPd  sod 

Let  the  soul's  praises  rise, 
The  living  temple  of  our  God, 

Arch'd  by  his  own  blue  skies. 
There,  let  thy  grateful  praise  be  heard, 

There,  let  thy  prayers  be  given, 
And  with  the  hymns  of  flower  and  bird, 

They  shall  ascend  to  heaven, 
And  sooner  reach  the  eternal  bowers 
Breathed  over  beds  of  blushing  flowers. 


FLORA'S  LEXICON. 


CACIA.    Robinia  Pseudacacia.     Class  17, 
DIADELPHIA.      Order:  DECANDRIA.     The 

savages  of  North  America  have  consecrated 
the  Acacia  to  the  genius  of  chaste  love ; 
their  bows  are  made  from  the  incorruptible 
wood  of  this  tree,  their  arrows  are  armed 
with  one  of  its  thorns.  These  fierce  chil- 
dren of  the  forest,  whom  nothing-  can  subdue,  conceive  a  senti- 
ment of  delicacy ;  perhaps  what  they  are  unable  to  express  by 
words,  but  they  understand  the  sentiment  by  the  expression  of  a 
branch  of  blooming  Acacia.  The  young  savage,  like  the  city 
coquette,  understands  this  seducing  language  perfectly.  The 
Acacia  is  a  native  of  North  America,  and  received  its  name  from 
the  botanist,  Robin. 

PLATONIC  LOVE. 

Our  rocks  are  rough,  but  smiling  there 

The  Acacia  waves  her  yellow  hair, 

Lonely  and  sweet,  nor  loved  the  less 

For  flowering  in  a  wilderness 

Then  come — thy  Arab  maid  will  be 

The  loved  and  lone  Acacia  tree.  MOORE. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


CACIA  ROSE.     Robinia  Hispida.     Class 
17,  DIADELPHIA.    Order :  DECANDRIA.    Art 

has  produced  nothing  that  may  vie  in  fresh- 
ness and  in  elegance  of  appearance  with 
this  beautiful  flowering  shrub ;  its  inclining 
branches, — the  gaiety  of  its  verdure, — its 
clusters  of  rose-coloured  flowers,  like  bows 
of  ribands,  hung  on  branches  clothed  with  hairs  of  a  reddish 
brown,  never  fail  to  excite  admiration,  and  have  combined  to  ren- 
der it  a  proper  emblem  of  elegance.  Its  appearance  has  been 
compared  to  that  of  an  elegant  female  in  her  ball  dress. 


ELEGANCE. 

The  fairness  of  her  face  no  tongue  can  tell, 
For  she  the  daughters  of  all  women's  race, 
And  angels  eke,  in  beautie  doth  excel, 
Sparkled  on  her  from  God's  own  glorious  face, 
And  more  increast  by  her  own  goodly  grace, 
That  it  doth  far  exceed  all  human  thought, 
No  can  on  earth  compared  be  to  aught. 

SPENSER. 

There's  no  miniature 
Jn  her  face,  but  is  a  copious  theme, 
Which  would,  discours'd  at  large  of,  make  a  volume. 
What  clear  arch'd  brows !  what  sparkling  eyes .  tne  ILies 
Contending  with  the  roses  in  her  cheeks, 
Who  shall  most  set  them  off.     What  ruby  lips: — 
Or  unto  what  can  I  compare  her  neck, 
But  to  a  rock  of  crystal  1    Every  limb 
Proportion'd  to  love's  wish,  and  in  their  neatness 
Add  lustre  to  the  richness  of  her  habit, 
Not  borrow'd  from  it. 

MASSINGER. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


:;  DONIS.  Flos  Adonis.  Class  13,  POLY-  \ 
ANDRIA.  Order  :  POLYGYNIA.  Adonis  was  j 
killed,  while  hunting,  by  a  boar.  Venus, ! 
who,  for  his  sake,  had  relinquished  the  joys 
of  Cythera,  shed  tears  for  the  fate  of  her 
favourite.  They  were  not  lost ;  the  eartli 
received  them,  and  immediately  produced  a 
light,  delicate  plant,  covered  with  flowers  resembling  drops  of 
blood.  Bright  and  transient  flowers,  too  faithful  emblems  of  the 
pleasures  of  life,  ye  were  consecrated  by  Beauty  herself  to  pain- 
ful recollections ! 


PAINFUL  RECOLLECTIONS. 

Full  twenty  years  have  pass'd  away,  since  thou,  beloved  one  ! 
With  darkening  eye  to  heaven  upraised,  the  last  time  bless'd 

thy  son ; 
And  meekly  closing  thy  thin  hands,  with  mine  between  them 

press'd, 
Fled,  with  my  name  upon  thy  lips,  to  thine  eternal  rest.*" 

i I  My  first,  my  last,  my  only  friend  ! — if  aught  the  ransom'd  know 
i|  Of  the  dark  thoughts  and  sinful  deeds  that  stain  the  world  below, 
1 1  How  hath  thy  gentle  spirit  grieved,  as  but  a  mother's  can, 
||  To  see  thy  precepts  to  the  boy,  neglected  by  the  man ! 

Bat  no ;  thou  art  beatified ! — on  yonder  radiant  shore, 

The  sins  and  sorrows  of  thy  child  can  trouble  thee  no  more ; 

And  if,  in  thy  refulgent  home,  thou  thinkest  of  me  now, 

*T  is  with  my  childhood's  innocence  yet  beaming  on  my  brow  ! 

So  would  I  have  thee  see  thy  son,  the  wreck'd  of  passion's  storm, 
II  With  prematurely  wrinkled  brow,  pale  cheek,  and  stooping  form, 
jj  To  thy  soul's  gaze,  immortal  one  !  would  ever  present  be, 
jl  The  same  fair  child  of  guileless  heart,  that  gamboll'd  at  thy  knee. 

THE  KNICKERBOCKER. 


f16  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


LMOND.  Amygdalus.  Class  12,  I^OSAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOOYNIA.  Fable  confers 
an  affecting  origin  on  this  tree.  It  relates 
that  Demophoon,  son  of  Theseus  and  Phse- 
dra,  in  returning  from  the  siege  of  Troy, 
was  thrown  by  a  storm  on  the  shores  of 
Thrace,  where  then  reigned  the  beautiful 
Phyllis.  The  young  queen  graciously  received  the  prince,  fell 
in  love  with  him,  and  became  his  wife.  When  recalled  to  Athens 
by  his  father's  death,  Demophoon  promised  to  return  in  a  month, 
and  fixed  the  day.  The  affectionate  Phyllis  counted  the  hours 
of  his  absence,  and  at  last  the  appointed  day  arrived.  Nine  times 
she  repaired  to  the  shore ;  but,  losing  all  hope  of  his  return,  she 
dropped  down  dead  with  grief,  and  was  turned  into  an  Almond- 
tree.  Three  months  afterwards,  Demophoon  returned.  Over- 
whelmed with  sorrow,  he  offerech  a  sacrifice  at  the  sea-sidr2,  to 
appease  the  manes  of  his  bride.  She  seemed  to  sympathize  with 
his  repentance :  for  the  Almond-tree,  into  which  she  had  been 
transformed,  instantly  put  forth  its  flowers,  and  proved  by  this 
^ast  effort  that  true  love,  "  strong  as  death,"  is  incapable  of  change. 

INDISCRETION. 

Like  to  an  almond-tree,  mounted  high 
On  top  of  green  Selinis,  all  alone, 
With  blossoms  brave  bedecked  daintily; 
Whose  tender  locks  do  tremble  every  one, 
At  every  little  breath  that  under  heav'n  is  blown. 

SPENSER. 

According  to  Moore,  the  Almond  blossom   is  the  emblem  of 
hope— 

The  hope,  in  dreams  of  a  happier  hour, 

That  alights  on  Misery's  brow, 
Springs  out  of  the  silvery  almond-flower, 
That  blooms  on  a  leafless  bough. 

In  ancient  times,  the  abundance  of  blossom  on  this  tree  was 
considered  as  the  promise  of  a  fruitful  season. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


17 


LOE.  Class  6,  HEXANDRIA.  Order  :  Mo- 
NOGYNIA.  The  aloe  is  said  to  thrive  best 
in  the  desert,  and  is  only  attached  to  the 
soil  by  a  very  slender  fibre.  Its  taste  is 
very  sharp  and  bitter.  So  sorrow  drives 
us  away  from  the  world,  detaches- our 
hearts  from  the  earth,  and  fills  them  with 

bitterness.     This  plant  derives  its  support  almost  entirely  from 
the  air,  and  assumes  very  singular  and  fantastic  shapes.     Le 
Vaillant  found  many  species  very  numerous  in  the  deserts  of  Na- 
maquoise ;  some  of  them  six  feet  long,  which  were  thick  and 
armed  with  long  spines.     From  the  centre  of  these  a  light  twig 
shoots  forth  to  the  height  of  a  tall  tree,  all  garnished  with  flow- 
ers.    Others  exalt  themselves  like  the  cactus,  bristling  with 
thorns.     Others,  again,   are  marbled,  and  seem  like   serponts 
i |  creeping  upon  the  earth.     Brydone  saw  the  ancient  city  of  Sy- 
I  racuse  entirely  covered  by  great  aloes  in  flower;  their  elegant 
i  branches  giving  to  the  promontory  which  bounded  the  coast,  the 
!  appearance  of  an  enchanted  forest.     These  plants  also  prosper 
well  in  our  gardens.     The  collection  in  the  museum  of  Paris  is 
said  to  be  the  most  complete  in  the  world. 

These  magnificent  and  monstrous  members  of  the  vegetable 

j  kingdom  are  also  found  in  barbarous  Africa.     There  they  grow 

j  upon  the  rocks  in  arid  and  sandy  soil,  in  the  midst  of  that  burn- 

|j  ing  atmosphere  in  which  scarce  aught  but  tigers  and  lions  can 

breathe  and  live.     Let  us  bless  Providence,  then,  for  raising  in 

our  climate  verdant  bowers  over  our  heads,  and  for  spreading 

under  our  feet  the  soft  carpet  of  grass,  ornamented  with  saffron, 

violets,  and  daisies. 

GRIEF. 

Besides,  you  know, 
Prosperity 's  the  very  bond  of  love ; 
Whose  fresh  complexion,  and  whose  heart  together, 
Affliction  alters. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


18 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


MARANTH.  Amaranthus.  Class  21,  Mo- 
N^CIA.  Order:  PENTANDRIA.  The  ama 
ranth  is  one  of  the  latest  gifts  of  autumn 
and  when  dead  its  flowers  retain  their  rich 
scarlet  colour.  The  ancients  have  associ 
ated  it  with  supreme  honours  ;  choosing  i 
to  adorn  the  brows  of  their  gods.  Poets 
have  sometimes  mingled  its  bright  hue  with  the  dark  and  gloomy 
cypress,  wishing  to  express  that  their  sorrows  were  combined 
with  everlasting  recollections.  Homer  tells  us,  that  at  the  fune- 
ral of  Achilles,  the  Thessalians  presented  themselves  wearing 
crowns  of  amaranth. 

IMMORTALITY. 

Milton,  in  his  gorgeous  description  of  the  court  of  heaven, 
mentions  the  amaranth  as  being  inwoven  in  the  diadems  of  an- 
gels— 

With  solemn  adoration  down  they  cast 
Their  crowns,  inwove  with  amaranth  and  gold; 
Immortal  amaranth,  a  flower  which  once 
In  Paradise,  fast  by  the  tree  of  life, 
.Began  to  bloom;  but  soon  for  man's  offence 
To  heaven  removed,  where  first  it  grew,  there  grows, 
And  flowers  aloft,  shading  the  fount  of  life, 
And  where  the  river  of  bliss  through  midst  of  heaven 
Rolls  o'er  Elysian  flowers  her  amber  stream, 
With  those  that  never  fade. 

Pope  mentions  this  flower  in  his  Ode  for  St.  Cecilia's  day ; 
imagining  it  to  be  found  in  celestial  bowers ; — 
By  the  streams  that  ever  flow, 
By  the  fragrant  winds  that  blow 

O'er  the  Elysian  flowers ; 
By  those  happy  souls  that  dwell 
In  yellow  meads  of  asphodel, 
Or  amaranthine  bowers. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


19 


MERICAN  COWSLIP.  Primula  Veris. 
Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGY- 
NIA.  The  elegant  stem  of  a  single  root  of 
this  plant  springs  from  the  centre  of  a  ro- 
sette of  large  leaves  couched  on  the  earth. 
In  April  it  is  crowned  with  twelve  pretty 
flowerg  with  the  cups  reversed.  Linnaeus 
has  given  it  the  name  of  "  Dodecatheon,"  which  signifies  "  twelve 
divinities,"  a  name,  perhaps,  somewhat  too  extravagant  for  a 
small  plant  so  modest  in  its  appearance.  An  American  writer 
says  of  them,  in  their  indigenous  soil,  that  they  resemble  a  clus- 
ter of  bright  yellow  polyanthuses.  "  Our  gold  cowslips,"  he 
adds,  "  look  like  a  full  branch  of  large  clustering  king-cups;  they 
carelessly  raise  themselves  on  their  firm  stalks,  their  corollas 
gazing  upward  to  the  changing  spring  sky,  as  they  grow  amidst 
their  pretty  leaves  of  vivid  green.  They  adorn  almost  every 
meadow,  and  shed  a  glow  of  beauty  wherever  they  spring." 

YOU  ARE  MY  DIVINITY. 


At  such  an  hour,  thine  image,  brought 

By  Memory  to  the  passive  eye, 
Would  blend  with  every  gentle  thought 

Of  dwellers  in  the  distant  sky, 

And  float,  in  airy  seeming,  by, 
Fit  princess  of  the  sylphid  crowds, 

Born  of  the  wealth  of  Fantasy 
In  her  own  heaven  of  Summer  clouds, 

Where  ever  laughing  sunbeams  shine 

On  eyes  as  calm  and  bright  as  thine. 

J.  R.  CHORLEY. 

Cowslips  wan  that  hang  the  pensive  head. 

MILTON. 

Anxious  cares  the  pensive  nymph  opprest, 
And  secret  passions  labour'd  in  her  breast. 

POPE. 


20 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


MARYLLIS.  Amaryllis  Sarniensis.  Class 
6,  HEXANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  Gar- 
deners say  that  the  amaryllis,  of  which 
there  are  numerous  varieties,  is  a  proud 
plant,  because  it  frequently  refuses  its  flow- 
ers to  their  most  earnest  cares.  The  Guern- 
sey lily  is  a  charming  flower,  and  closely 
resembles  the  tuberose  in  appearance  and  size ;  it  is  of  a  cherry 
red  colour,  and,  when  the  sun  shines  upon  it,  it  seems  studded 
with  gems  of  gold.  The  name  of  this  plant  is  derived  from  a 
Greek  word,  which  has  been  not  inappropriately  translated,  by 
Monsieur  Pirolle,  as  significant  of  splendour,  and  perhaps  we 
have  no  flowering  plant  more  beautifully  gay  than  the  amaryllis. 

HAUGHTINESS.    PRIDE. 


But  he  his  wonted  pride 


Soon  recollecting,  with  high  words,  that  bore 
Semblance  of  worth,  not  substance,  gently  raised 
Their  fainting  courage,  and  dispell'd  their  fears. 

MILTON. 

How  poor  a  thing  is  pride !  when  all,  as  slaves, 
Differ  but  in  their  fetters,  not  their  graves. 

DANIEL. 

Pride  by  presumption  bred,  when  at  a  height, 
Encount'ring  with  contempt,  both  march  in  ire; 
And  'twixt  'em  bring  base  cruelty  to  light; 
The  loathsome  offspring  of  a  hated  sire. 

STERLINE. 

I'll  offer,  and  I'll  suffer  no  abuse, 
Because  I'm  proud;  pride  is  of  mighty  use. 
The  affectation  of  a  pompous  name, 
Has  oft  set  wits  and*  heroes  in  a  flame: 
Volumes,  and  buildings,  and  dominions  wide, 
Are  oft  the  noble  monuments  of  pride. 

CROWN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  21 


MERICAN  ELM.  Ulmus  Americana.  Class 
5,  PENTANDRIA.     Order:   DIGYNIA.     The 

American  Elm  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the 
United  States,  but  thrives  best  between 
the  forty-second  and  forty-sixth  degrees 
of  north  latitude.  The  wood  is  inferior  to 
the  European,  and  as  it  is  in  consequence 

not  very  well  adapted  to  practical  purposes,  its  uses  are  few  and 

unimportant. 

PATRIOTISM. 

I  see  thee  weep,  and  thine  are  honest  tears, 
A  patriot's  for  his  country.     Thou  art  sad 
At  thought  of  her  forlorn  and  abject  state, 
From  which  no  power  of  thine  can  raise  her  up. 

COWPER. 

Give  me  the  death  of  those 

Who  for  their  country  die; 

And  O  be  mine  like  their  repose, 

When  cold  and  low  they  lie ! 

Their  loveliest  mother  earth 

Enshrines  the  fallen  brave; 

In  her  sweet  lap  who  gave  them  birth, 

They  find  their  tranquil  grave. 

MONTGOMERY. 

In  that  dread  hour  my  country's  guard  I  stood, 
From  the  state's  vitals  tore  the  coil'd  serpent, 
First  hung  with  writhing  up  to  public  scorn, 
Then  flung  him  forth  to  ruin. 

MATURIN. 

O  heaven!  he  cried,  my  bleeding  country  save! 
Is  there  no  hand  on  high  to  shield  the  brave] 
Yet,  though  destruction  sweep  those  lovely  plains, 
Rise,  fellow  men !   our  country  yet  remains ! 
By  that  dread  name  we  wave  the  sword  on  high ! 
And  swear  for  her  to  live  !  with  her  to  die ! 

CAMPBELL. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


MERICAN  LINDEN,  or  BASS-WOO]). 
Tilia  Americana.  Class  13,  POLYANDRIA. 
Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  American  Lin- 
den, or  Bass-wood,  is  a  lofty  tree,  but  the 
wood  is  not  extensively  used  in  the  arts. 
We  have  two  other  species,  in  the  south 
and  west,  whose  wood  possesses  similar 
properties,  and  is  likewise  little  employed. 


MATRIMONY. 

From  that  day  forth,  in  peace  and  joyous  bliss 
They  lived  together  long  without  debate; 
Nor  private  jars,  nor  spite  of  enemies, 
Could  shake  the  safe  assurance  of  their  states. 

SPENSER. 

Nothing  shall  assuage 
Your  love  but  marriage :  for  such  is 
The  tyeing  of  two  in  wedlock,  as  is 
The  tuning  of  two  lutes  in  one  key :  for 
Striking  the  strings  of  the  one,  straws  will  stir 
Upon  the  strings  of  the  other ;  and  in 
Two  minds  link'd  in  love,  one  cannot  be 
Delighted,  but  the  other  rejoiceth. 

LILLY. 


Marriage  is  a  matter  of  more  worth, 
Than  to  be  dealt  in  by  attorneyship. 


SHAKSPEARE. 


What  is  wedlock  forced  but  a  hell, 
An  age  of  discord  and  continual  strife  1 
Whereas  the  contrary  bringeth  forth  bliss, 
And  is  a  pattern  of  celestial  peace. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  23 

MERICAN  ARBOR-VIT.E.  Thuja  occi- 
dcntalis.  Class  21,  MONCECIA.  Order:  Mo- 
NADELPHIA.  The  American  Arbor-vitse  ia 
found  in  the  same  region  as  the  spruces, 
where  it  is  called  White  Cedar;  and  indeed 
it  much  resembles  in  its  appearance  the 
Cupressus  Thugoides,  or  genuine  White 
Cedar.  It  grows  to  the  height  of  50  or  60  feet,  with  the  trunk 
10  or  15  inches  in  diameter,  and  is  now  planted  for  ornament  in 
all  parts  of  the  Union.  The  wood  is  soft,  fine-grained,  and  is 
highly  esteemed  for  its  durability ;  but  it  is  difficult  to  procure 
stalks  of  any  considerable  length  with  a  uniform  diameter. 


IMMORTALITY. 


Look  nature  through :  't  is  revolution  all ; 

All  change ;  no  death.     Day  follows  night,  and  night 

The  dying  day  ;  stars  rise,  and  set,  and  rise ; 

Earth  takes  th'  example.     See  the  summer  gay, 

With  her  green  chaplet,  and  ambrosial  flowers, 

Droops  into  pallid  autumn:  winter  grey, 

Horrid  with  frost,  and  turbulent  with  storm, 

Blows  autumn  and  his  golden  fruits  away, 

Then  melts  into  the  spring:  soft  spring,  with  breath 

Favonian,  from  warm  chambers  of  the  south, 

Recalls  the  first.     All,  to  re-flourish,  fades; 

As  in  a  wheel,  all  sinks,  to  reascend. 

Emblems  of  man,  \vho  passes,  not  expires. 

YOUNG. 

Immortality  o'ersweeps 

All  pains,  all  tears,  all  time,  all  fears — and  peals 
Like  the  eternal  thunders  of  the  deep 
Into  my  ears  this  truth — Thou  liv'st  for  ever. 

BYRON. 


24  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


NEMONE.     Anemone.     Class  13,  POLY-  | 
ANDRIA.      Order:   POLYGYNIA.     Anemone  '| 
was  a  nymph  beloved  by  Zephyr.     Flora,h 
being  jealous,  banished  her  from  her  court, 
and  changed  her  into  a  flower,  which  al-  | 
ways  opens  at  the  return  of  spring.  Zephyr  ' 
had  abandoned  this  unfortunate  beauty  to  ( 
the  rude  caresses  of  Boreas,  who,  unable  to  gain  her  love,  agi- ; 
tates  her  until  her  blossoms  are  half  open,  and  then  causes  her 
immediately  to  fade.     An  anemone,  with  this  motto,  "  Brevis 
est  wsws," — "  Her  reign  is  short,"  admirably  expresses  the  rapid  j 
decline  of  beauty. 


FORSAKEN. 

She  will  not  speak  the  anguish  of  her  breast, 
She  cannot  chide  the  one  she  loves  to  bless; 

What  though  her  bosom  own  no  soothing  rest? 
She  does  not  cease  to  pray  for  his  distress : 

Her  heart  is  wasting  in  a  slow  decay, 

And  the  disease  of  hope  smiles  o'er  her  prey. 

At  times  she  wanders  when  the  air  is  warm, 
And  gazes  on  the  trysting-place  so  dear, 

When  love  and  innocence,  in  gentle  form, 
United  like  a  dew-drop  and  a  tear, 

When  happy  thoughts  went  heavenward  in  sweet  prayer; 

And  all  was  bliss  when  Waldron's  smile  was  there. 

And  then  she  turns  her  sicken' d  heart  away, 
And  bends  her  footsteps  to  her  mother's  grave. 

Thinking  how  soon  she'll  mingle  with  her  clay — 
She  knows  there  is  no  human  arm  to  save. 

And  though  she  smiles  at  death — her  thoughts  of  life, 

And  faithless  Waldron,  cause  a  tearful  strife. 

DAWES. 


I 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


NGELICA.  Angelica.  Class  5,  PENTAN- 
DRIA.  Order  2 :  DIGYNIA.  This  plant  is 
named  angelica  in  allusion  to  its  agreeable 
smell  and  medicinal  qualities.  It  has  wing' 
ed  leaves  divided  into  large  segments ;  its 
stalks  are  hollow  and  jointed,  the  flowers 
grow  in  an  umbel  upon  the  tops  of  the 
stalks,  and  consist  of  five  leaves,  succeeded  by  two  large  chan- 
nelled seeds.  Archangelica  is  sometimes  cultivated  in  gardens 
for  its  leaf-stalks,  to  be  blanched  and  eaten  as  celery,  or  candied 
with  sugar.  In  Lapland,  where  it  is  also  found,  it  is  used  to 
crown  poets,  who  fancy  theniselves  inspired  by  its  agreeable 
odoar. 


INSPIRATION. 


My  fancy  form'd  thee  of  angelic  kind. 

POPS. 

I 

Amid  the  burning  stars  of  night  I  saw 
A  brighter  glory  —  for  thy  spirit  shone 
Through  the  clear  heavens  all  beautiful,  alone, 
And  fill'd  iny  heart  with  rapture  and  with  awe. 
I  heard  thy  voice  —  blest  who  their  Maker's  law 
Within  their  inmost  soul  in  peace  enthrone, 
For  this  celestial  world  is  all  their  own; 
No  earthly  gaud  hath  ever  power  to  draw 
Downward  their  brighter  gaze  —  Oh!  be  tnou  one! 
Thou  whom  I  loved  upon  that  lower  scene, 
Soar  up  and  join  me! — dark  clouds  swept  between — 
The  stars  were  veil'd — the  radiant  lio-ht  was  gone — 
Yet,  Angel  Spirit !  when  earth's  shadows  flee, 
On  hope's  immortal  wing  I  trust  to  follow  thee. 

ANON. 


26  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


PPLE  BLOSSOM.  Pyrus.  Class  12,  PEN- 
TAGYNIA.  Order:  ICOSANDRIA.  What  is 
more  enchanting  to  the  lover  of  nature  than 
the  apple-tree  when  clad  with  its  beautiful 
bloom  in  the  early  spring  ?  and  the  more, 
that  they  hold  forth  the  promise  of  an  abun- 
dance of  delicious  fruit.  The  apple  bloom 

is  indeed  a  charming  flower,  and  by  some  is  preferred  before  the 

rose. 

PREFERENCE. 

The  lasses  aw  wonder'd  what  Willy  could  see, 

In  yen  that  was  dark  and  hard-featur'd  like  me; 

And  they  wonder'd  ay  mair  when  they  talk'd  o'  my  wit, 

And  slily  telt  Willy,  that  could'nt  be  it: 

But  Willy  he  laugh'd,  and  he  made  me  his  wife, 

And  whea  was  mair  happy  thro'  aw  his  lang  life  1 

Its  e'en  my  great  comfort,  now  Willy  is  geane, 

That  he  often  said,  nea  pleace  was  like  his  awn  heame. 

I  mind  when  I  carried  my  wark  to  yon  stile, 
Where  Willy  was  dyking,  the  time  to  beguile; 
He  would  fling  me  a  daisy  to  put  i'  my  breast, 
And  I  hammer'd  my  noddle  to  make  out  a  jest: 
But  merry  or  grave,  Willy  often  would  tell, 
There  was  nin  o'  the  lave  that  was  like  my  awn  sel; 
And  he  spake  what  he  thought,  for  I'd  hardly  a  plack 
When  we  married,  and  nobbet  ae  gown  to  my  back. 

When  the  clock  had  struck  eight,  I  expected  him  hearne, 
And  wheyles  went  to  meet  him  as  far  as  Dumleane ; 
Of  aw  hours  it  telt,  eight  was  dearest  to  me, 
But  now  when  it  strikes,  there's  a  tear  i'  rny  e'e. 
O  Willy!  dear  Willy!  it  never  can  be, 
That  age,  time,  or  death,  can  divide  thee  and  me ; 
For  that  spot  on  the  earth,  that's  aye  dearest  to  me, 
Is  the  turf  that,  has  cover'd  my  Willy  frae  me. 

GlLPIN. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


RBOR  VIT^E,  or  TREE  OF  LIFE.  Thuja. 
Class  21,  MONGECIA.  Order  :  MONADEL- 
PHIA.  Thuja,  the  name  of  a  tree,  whose 
very  durable  wood  served,  according  to 
Theophrastus,  to  make  images.  Its  roots, 
in  particular,  being  curiously  twisted  or 
veined,  were  used  for  the  most  valuable, 

ornamental  works.  This  plant  was  probably  the  Juniperus  Oxy- 
cedrus,  very  common  throughout  Greece  and  the  Archipelago, 
of  which  it  is  supposed  on  good  authority  that  the  most  ancient 
statues  were  made.  Our  present  genus  of  Thuja  has  nothing 
in  common  with  this  classical  plant,  except  being  an  aromatic 
evergreen  tree  of  the  same  order,  with  very  durable  wood  ;  but 
it  is  not  a  native  of  Greece  or  the  Levant. 


LIVE  FOR  ME. 

"Hafed,  my  own  beloved  lord," 

She  kneeling  cries  —  "first,  last  adored! 

If  in  that  soul  thou'st  ever  felt 

Half  what  thy  lips  impassion'd  swore, 
Here,  on  my  knees,  that  never  knelt 

To  any  but  their  God  before, 
I  pray  thee,  as  thou  lovest  me,  fly, 
Now,  now  —  ere  yet  their  blades  are  nigh. 
Oh  haste  —  the  bark  that  bore  me  hither 

Can  waft  us  o'er  yon  darkening  shore, 
East  —  west  —  alas,  I  care  not  whither, 
So  thou  art  safe  and  I  with  thee  ! 
Go  where  ye  will,  this  hand  in  thine, 

Those  eyes  before  me  smiling  thus, 
Through  good  and  ill,  through  storm  and  shine, 

The  world's  a  worli!  of  love  for  us! 
On  some  calm,  blessed  shore  we'll  dwell, 
Where  'tis  no  crime  to  love  too  well." 

MOORE. 


28 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


SH.     Fraxinus.     Class  2,  DIANDRIA.     Or- 
der :  MONOGYNIA,     There  is  a  singular  al- ; 
legory  in  the  Edda,  which  states  that  the  j 
gods  hold  their  court  under  the  shade  of  a  I 
miraculous  ash,  whose  extensive  branches  j 
shadow  the  whole  surface  of  the  earth ;  the  | 
top  of  the  tree  touches  the  heavens,  and  I 
its  roots  descend  to  the  regions  of  Pluto.     An  eagle  constantly  j 
reposes  on  the  tree,  to  observe  every  thing,  and  a  squirrel  conti-  jj 
nually  ascends  and  descends  to  make  report.     Beneath  its  roots  ; ! 
flow  two  fountains.     In  the  one  wisdom  is  concealed,  and  in  the  !| 
other  is  found  the  knowledge  of  things  to  come.     Three  virgins  ji 
are  entrusted  with  the  charge  of  this  sacred  tree,  who  ever 
remain  under  its  branches  to  refresh  the  tree  with  these  salutary 
waters,  which,  on  falling  back  on  the  earth,  form  a  dew  that  pro- 
duces honey.     This  effect  has  been  ingeniously  compared  to  the 
results  of  inventive  science. 


GRANDEUR. 

Nay,  I  know  not. 

There  are  some  qualities  that  women  have 
Which  are  less  worthy,  but  which  warm  us  more 
Than  speaking  of  their  virtues.     I  remember 
The  fair  Giovanna  in  her  pride  at  Naples. 
Gods !  what  a  light  enveloped  her !      She  left 
Little  to  shine  in  history — but  her  beauty 
Was  of  that  order  that  the  universe 
Seem'd  govern'd  by  her  motion.     Men  look'd  on  her 
As  if  her  next  step  would  arrest  the  world ; 
And  as  the  sea-bird  seems  to  rule  the  wave 
He  rides  so  buoyantly,  all  things  around  her — 
The  glittering  army,  the  spread  gonfalon, 
The  pomp,  the  music,  the  bright  sun  in  heaven — 
Seem'd  glorious  by  her  leave. 

WILLIS. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


29 


SPEN  TREE.  Populus  Tremulus.  Class 
12,  DIOECIA.  Order:  POLYANDRIA.  Popu- 
lar tradition  states  that  the  cross  was  made 
from  this  tree,  and  that  since  the  Passion 
of  our  Saviour,  the  leaves  have  never  known 
rest.  The  vibratory  motion  of  the  leaves  is 
indeed  curious,  and  never  fails  to  attract  the 
attention  of  the  observer.  It  arises  from  the  length  and  slender 
ness  of  the  footstalks  tc  which  they  are  attached. 


EXCESSIVE  SENSIBILITY. 

Why  tremble  so,  broad  aspen  tree? 
Why  shake  thy  leaves  ne'er  ceasing  ? 
At  rest  thou  never  seem'st  to  be, 

For  when  the  air  is  still  and  clear, 
Or  when  the  nipping  gale  increasing, 

Snakes  from  thy  boughs  soft  twilight's  tear, 
Thou  tremblest  still,  broad  aspen  tree, 
And  never  tranquil  seem'st  to  be. 

ANON. 


Our  sensibilities  are  so  acute, 

The  fear  of  being  silent  makes  us  mute. 


Cow 


The  soul  of  music  slumbers  in  the  shell, 
Till  waked  and  kindled,  by  the  master's  spell ; 
And  feeling  hearts  —  touch  them  but  lightly  —  pour 
A  thousand  melodies  unheard  before  ! 

ROGEUS. 

Oh  !   life  is  a  waste  of  wearisome  hours, 
Which  seldom  the  rose  of  enjoyment  adorns ; 
And  the  heart  that  is  soonest  awake  to  the  flowers, 
Is  always  the  first  to  be  touch'd  by  "the  thorns. 

MOORE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


SPHODEL.     Tofieldia  palustris.     Class  6, 
HEXANDRIA.      Order:    TRIGYNIA.       The;' 
yellow  and  white  species  of  this  elegant  |! 
plant  are  old  inhabitants  of  our  gardens, ; 
are  of  very  easy  culture,  and  increase  ra- 
pidly.    The  latter  species  covers  immense 
tracts  of  land  in  Apulia,  and  affords  very 
good  nourishment  to  the  sheep.     It  was  sacred  to  Proserpine,  and 
anciently  used  in  funeral  ceremonies ;  and  it  was  believed  that 
beyond  the  Acheron,  the  shades  of  the  departed  walked  in  vast 
meadows  of  Asphodel,  where  they  drank  the  waters  of  oblivion. 


MY  REGRETS  FOLLOW  YOU  TO  THE  GRAVE. 

Sometimes  my  vision  pictures  thee,  as  stooping  from  on  high, 
The  light  of  love  ineffable  illumining  thine  eye ; 
Then  soaring  up,  on  snowy  wings,  that  brighten  as  they  rise, 
I  hear  thy  soft  voice  calling  me  to  meet  thee  in  the  skies  ! 

I  know  that  this  is  but  a  dream ;  that  I  can  never  see 
Thy  spirit,  until  mine  shall  wear  the  garment  of  the  free ; 
That  'tis  my  own  imaginings  that  visit  me  by  night, 
But  surely  heaven  the  image  clothes  with  something  of  its 
light! 

Yes,  mother  !  in  thy  holy  home,  death's  gloomy  valley  past, 
A  hope  hath  risen  in  my  heart,  that  we  shall  meet  at  last ; 
There  these  faint  glimmerings  of  day,  from  yonder  sphere  un- 

trod, 

Shall  be  exchanged  for  perfect  light — the  effluence  of  GOD  ! 

THE  KNICKERBOCKER. 

Dull  grave  —  thou  spoil'st  the  dance  of  youthful  blood, 
Strik'st  out  the  dimple  from  the  cheek  of  mirth, 
And  ev'ry  smirking  feature  from  the  face; 
Branding  our  laughter  with  the  name  of  madness. 

BLAIR. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


31 1 


URICULA.  Primula  Auricula.  Class  5,  \ 
PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  As| 
all  the  most  beautiful  flowers  that  were ! 
known  to  the  ancients,  had  been  placed  in 
the  hieroglyphical  language  of  plants,  we  j 
had  some  difficulty  in  making  a  selection ; 
worthy  of  representing  the  delightful  art  i 
But  our  choice  has  at  length  fallen  on  the  "  queen 


of  painting. 

of  the  snowy  Alps,"  as  the  fittest  emblem. 


PAINTING. 


O  thou  who  seated  by  the  golden  wave 
Of  classic  Tiber,  stol'st  the  prismy  hues 

From  the  rich  landscape  that  Italia  gave, — 
CLAUDE  !  whose  celestial  genius  could  transfuse 

Heaven's  beauty  into  earth's,  and  both  combine 
In  those  undying  paintings  only  thine ; 

Could'st  thou  have  travell'd  to  our  western  sky, 
And  near'd  the  setting  sun,  whose  vesture  spreads 

Its  gold  and  purple,  blent  harmoniously ; 
When  Autumn  chills  the  foliage,  and  sheds 

O'er  the  piled  leaves  among  the  evergreen, 
All  colours  and  all  teints  to  grace  the  scene; 

Thou  would'st  have  shown  that  there  are  other  climes 
Besides  Ausonia's  where  the  heart  may  gush 

With  overwhelming  fulness,  and  at  times 

Feel  the  deep  influence  of  bland  nature's  hush, 

When  Evening  steals  in  blushes  to  her  West, 

And  clouds  are  in  their  marriage  garments  drest. 

DAWES. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ZALEA,  INDIAN.     Azalea  Indica.     Class 
PENT-DECANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.    A 

very  splendid  species  of  Azalea,  with  large 
and  rich  scarlet  flowers,  chosen,  on  account 
of  the  gorgeous  splendour  of  its  flowers, 
as  the  suitable  emblem  of  Romance. 


ROMANCE. 

The  pipe,  and  song,  with  many  a  mingled  shout, 

Ring  through  the  forest,  as  the  Satyr-rout 

Dance  round  the  dragon-chariot  of  Romance : 

Forth  pricks  the  Errant  Knight  with  rested  lance: 

Imps,  Dsemons,  Fays,  in  antic  train  succeed, 

The  wand'ring  maiden,  and  the  winged  steed  ! 

The  muttering  Wizard  turns,  with  haggard  look, 

The  bloody  leaves  of  the  accursed  book, 

Whilst  Giants,  from  the  gloomy  castle-tow'r, 

With  lifted  Bats  of  steel,  more  dreadful  low'r ! 

Hence,  at  midnight,  thou  shalt  stray, 

Where  dark  Ocean  flings  its  spray, 

To  hear  o'er  Heav'n's  resounding  arch 

The  Thunder- Lord  begin  his  march! 

Or  mark  the  flashes,  that  present 

Some  far-off  shatter'd  monument ; 

WThilst  along  the  rocky  vale, 

Red  fires,  mingled  with  the  hail, 

Run  along  upon  the  ground, 

And  the  thunders  deeper  sound ! 

The  loftier  Muse,  with  awful  mien, 

Upon  a  lonely  rock  is  seen! 

Full  is  the  eye  that  speaks  the  dauntless  soul; 

She  seems  to  hear  the  gathering  tempest  roll 

Beneath  her  feet:  She  bids  an  eagle  fly, 

Breasting  the  whirlwind,  through  the  dark-red  sky! 

Or,  with  elated  look,  lifts  high  the  spear, 

As  sounds  of  distant  battles  roll  more  near.      BOWLES. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  33 


ALM.  Melissa.  Class  14,  DIDYNAMIA. 
Order:  GYMNOSPERMIA.  The  scientific 
name  of  this  plant  is  Melissa,  which  is  syno- 
nymous with  the  Greek  word  for  bee,  being 
derived  from  juskt,  honey,  which  is  sought 
for  in  these  flowers  with  avidity.  "The 
recent  plant  has  the  agreeable  odour  of  le- 
mons." "  It  was  formerly  prized  as  a  corroborant  in  hypochon- 
driacal  and  nervous  affections."  It  is  on  account  of  the  soothing 
qualities  of  the  waters  distilled  from"  this  plant  that  it  has  been 
made  the  emblem  of  sympathy. 

SYMPATHY. 

Is  there  who  mocks  at  sacred  Sympathy, 
And  owns  a  bosom  from  her  dictates  free? 
Who  never  long'd  to  press  unto  his  heart, 
At  the  first  glance,  a  friend,  and  never  part? 
Who  the  soft  influence  of  a  smile  denies, 
And  the  more  melting  power  of  tearful  eyes  ? 
Who  an  unconscious  look,  a  word,  a  sigh, 
Boasts  his  unhallow'd  bosom  can  defy? 
O  never  let  him  deem  his  soul  was  made 
For  holy  hopes,  and  joys  that  never  fade, 
For  pure  delights,  that  love  can  only  know, 
And  all  the  ties  that  cheer  our  hearts  below: 
The  tender  names  of  husband,  brother,  friend, 
Ne'er  to  his  breast  their  blissful  sounds  shall  lend, 
But  cheerless,  joyless,  shall  he  live  and  die, 
Nor  claim  in  life  a  smile,  in  death  a  sigh! 

M.  A.  J. 

For  love  is  a  celestial  harmony 
Of  likely  hearts  composed  of  stars  concent, 
Which  join  together  in  sweet  sympathy, 
To  work  each  others'  joy  and  true  content. 

SPENSER. 


34 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ALSAM.  Impatiens.  Class  5,  PEJXTAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This  plant, 
which  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  deli- 
cate of  popular  annuals,  is  a  native  of  East 
India,  and  forms  a  showy  cone  of  carnation- 
like  flowers  finely  variegated.  It  possesses 
the  peculiar  property  of  retaining,  during 
the  hottest  months  of  summer,  all  its  freshness  and  beauty,  while 
many  other  plants  are  withered  before  they  have  flowered.  It 
has  been  named  Nolitangere  and  Impatiens,  from  the  curious  fact 
that  when  the  seeds  are  ripe,  they  are  thrown  with  considerable 
force  out  of  the  capsules  on  their  being  slightly  touched  ;  on  this 
account  it  has  been  made  the  emblem  of  impatience.  The  Turks 
use  it  to  represent  ardent  love. 

IMPATIENCE. 

Oh!  for  thy  wings,  thou  dove! 

Now  sailing  by  with  sunshine  on  thy  breast; 
That,  borne  like  thee  above, 

I  too  might  flee  away,  and  be  at  rest! 

Oh  !  to  some  cool  recess 

Take,  take  me  with  thee  on  the  summer  wind  ! 
Leaving  the  weariness, 

And  all  the  fever  of  this  life  behind. 

The  aching  and  the  void 

Within  the  heart  whereunto  none  reply, 
The  early  hopes  destroyed 

Bird  !  bear  me  with  thee  thro'  the  sunny  sky. 

HEMANS. 

Send  quick,  and  summon  in  the  council 
To  see  the  crown  imposed !     Bianca  dies  ! 
My  throne  hangs  on  your  speed !     Fly ! 

N.  P.  WILLIS. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


35 


ARBERRY.  Berberis  Vulgaris.  Class  6, 
HEXANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  The 
common  barberry  is  abundant  in  many  parts 
of  the  United  States.  Its  close  branches 
and  thorns  render  it  peculiarly  fit  for  hedges,  i 
and  its  brilliant  red  berries  are  very  orna- 
mental to  the  fields  which  it  encircles. 
These  berries,  worn  in  the  hair,  have  been  mistaken  for  coral 
ornaments.  Preserved  in  sugar,  they  form  a  cheap  bat  much 
valued  dainty  among  the  farmers  of  New  England.  The  fruit 
of  the  barberry  is  so  very  acid  that  birds  will  seldom  eat  them. 
The  tree  is  armed  with  thorns,  and  the  flowers  are  so  irritable, 
that  at  the  slightest  touch  all  the  stamina  close  around  the  pistil. 
Thus  this  tree  bears  all  the  characteristics  of  persons  whose  tem- 
per is  sharp  and  irritable. 

SHARPNESS.    SOURNESS  OF  TEMPER. 

Happiness  courts  thee  in  her  best  array; 
But,  like  a  misbehaved  and  sullen  wench, 
Thou  pout'st  upon  tky  fortune  and  thy  love: 
Take  heed,  take  heed,  for  such  die  miserable. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

- 

He  reads  much; 

He  is  a  great  observer,  and  he  looks  , 

Quite  through  the  deeds  of  men :  he  loves  no  plays, 
As  thou  dost,  Antony;  he  hears  no  music: 
Seldom  he  smiles;  and  smiles  in  such  a  sort, 
As  if  he  mock'd  himself,  and  scorn'd  his  spirit 
That  could  be  moved  to  smile  at  any  thing. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

She  is  peevish,  sullen,  fro  ward, 
Proud,  disobedient,  stubborn,  lacking  duty; 
Neither  regarding  that  she  is  rny  child, 
Nor  fearing  me  as  if  I  were  her  father. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


36 


FLORA'S    LEXICON 


ASIL.  Ocimum  Basilicum.  Class  14,  Di- 
DYNAMIA.  Order:  GYMNOSPERMIA.  Po- 
verty is  sometimes  represented  under  the 
figure  of  an  old  woman  covered  with  rags, 
seated  near  a  plant  of  basil.  It  is  commonly 
said,  that  hate  has  the  eyes  of  a  basilisk, 
because  this  name  has  been  given  to  a  fabu- 
lous animal,  which  is  stated  to  produce  death  by  a  single  glance. 
Basil,  however,  is  a  name  derived  from  the  Greek,  which  signi- 
fies royal,  and  indicates  the  excellence  of  this  fragrant  plant. 


HATRED. 

I  had  much  rather  see 
A  crested  dragon,  or  a  basilisk; 
Both  are  less  poison  to  my  eyes  and  nature. 

DRYDEN. 

No  voice  of  friendly  salutation  cheer'd  him, 
None  wish'd  his  arms  might  thrive,  or  bade  God  speed  him : 
I3ut  through  a  staring  ghastly-looking  crowd, 
UnhaiPd,  unblest,  with  heavy  heart  he  went. 

ROWE. 

Oh,  that  I  could  but  mate  him  in  his  might, 
Oh,  that  we  were  on  the  dark  wave  together, 
With  but  one  plank  between  us  and  destruction, 
That  I  might  grasp  him  in  these  desperate  arms, 
And  plunge  with  him  amid  the  weltering  billows, 
And  view  him  gasp  for  life. 

MATURIN. 

They  did  not  know  how  hate  can  burn 
In  hearts  once  changed  from  soft  to  stern; 
Nor  all  the  false  and  fatal  zeal 
The  convert  of  revenge  can  feel. 

BYRON. 


IF 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


37 


AY-BERRY,  or  WAX-MYRTLE.  Myrica 
cerifera.  Class  22,  DKECIA.  Order  :  TE- 
TRANDRIA.  The  Bay-berry,  or  Wax-myrtle, 
is  a  shrub  found  in  the  Northern  and  Mid- 
dle Atlantic  States,  growing  chiefly  in  bar- 
ren soils.  The  name  is  derived  from  a  wax- 
like  substance,  of  a  greenish  colour  and 

pleasant  odour,  which  is  obtained  from  the  berries,  and  in  some 

districts  very  abundantly. 

INSTRUCTION. 

She  taught  the  child  to  read,  and  taught  so  well, 
That  she  herself,  by  teaching,  learn'd  to  spell. 

BYRON. 

'Tis  pleasing  to  be  school'd  in  a  strange  tongue 

By  female  lips  and  eyes  —  that  is,  I  mean 

When  both  the  teacher  and  the  taught  are  young, 

As  was  the  case  at  least  where  I  have  been; 

They  smile  so  when  one's  right,  and  when  one's  wrong 

They  smile  still  more,  and  then  there  intervene 

Pressure  of  hands,  perhaps  even  a  chaste  kiss ; 

I  learn'd  the  little  that  I  know  by  this. 

BYRON. 

Culture's  hand 

Has  scatter'd  verdure  o'er  the  land ; 
And  smiles  and  fragrance  rule  serene, 
Where  barren  wild  usurp'd  the  scene. 
And  such  is  man  —  a  soil  which  breeds 
Or  sweetest  flowers,  or  vilest  weeds; 
Flowers  lovely  as  the  morning's  light, 
Weeds  deadly  as  an  aconite; 
Just  as  his  heart  is  train'd  to  bear 
The  poisonous  weed,  or  flow  Yet  fair. 

BOW  RING. 


38  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


AY.  Laurus  Nobilis.  Class  9,  ENNEAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  Laurus 
Nobilis,  or  Sweet  Bay,  though  but  a  shrub 
in  our  country,  in  Asia  and  the  southern 
parts  of  Europe,  its  proper  birth-place,  at- 
tains to  the  height  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet. 
It  grows  very  freely  on  the  banks  of  the 
river  Peneus,  in  Thessaly ; '  and  hence,  perhaps,  the  fable  of  the 
metamorphosis  of  Daphne,  daughter  of  that  river.  It  also,  with 
classic  propriety,  adorns  mounts  Ida  and  Athos. 


REWARD  OF  MERIT. 


Not  around  the  peaceful  bower 

Should  thy  verdant  branches  twine, 
Though  thy  leaves  through  wintry  hour 

With  unchanging  lustre  shine: 
There  are  fitter  scenes  than  this  for  thy  bloom 
On  the  poet's  lofty  brow 
Let  thy  classic  garlands  glow, 
Or,  if  he  lieth  low, 
On  his  tomb. 

Or,  return'd  from  well-fought  field, 

When  the  victor  throws  aside 
Both  his  dinted  helm  and  shield 

And  his  sword  in  crimson  dyed, 
O'er  his  trophies  let  thy  green  branches  wave; 
For  what  so  fit  a  meed 
From  the  country  he  has  freed, 
As  the  laurel-wreath  decreed 
To  the  brave? 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


39 


EE  ORCHIS.  Orchis.  Class  19,  SYNGE- 
NESIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This  plant  is 
singularly  beautiful  in  its  appearance,  which  • 
so  much  resembles  the  bee,  that  it  is  fre- 
quently mistaken  for  one  resting  on  the 
plant.  It  commonly  grows  near  woods,  and 
in  the  open  meadows.  The  most  successful 
method  of  cultivation  is  by  choosing  a  soil  and  situation  as  natu- 
ral to  them  as  possible,  and  by  suffering  the  grass  to  grow  around 
them. 


ERROR. 

Well  boots  it  the  thick-mantled  leas 
To  traverse:  if  boon  nature  grant, 
To  crop  the  insect  seeming  plant, 
The  vegetable  Bee;  or  nigh 
Of  kin,  the  long-horn 'd  Butterfly, 
White,  or  his  brother  purple  pale, 
Scenting  alike  the  evening  gale; 
The  Satyr  flower,  the  pride  of  Kent, 
Of  Lizard-form,  and  goat-like  scent. 

BISHOP  MANT. 

O  hateful  Error,  Melancholy's  child  ! 
Why  dost  thou  show  to  the  apt  thoughts  of  men 
The  things  that  are  not!  O  error,  soon  conceived, 
Thou  never  com'st  unto  a  happy  birth, 
But  kill'st  the  mother  that  engendered  thee. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

When  people  once  are  in  the  wrong, 
Each  line  they  add  is  much  too  long; 
Who  fastest  walks,  but  walks  astray, 
Is  only  furthest  from  his  way. 

PRIOR. 


40  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


EECIL  Fagus  Sylvatica.  Class  21,  Mo- 
NOECIA.  Order:  POLYANDRIA.  To  admire 
the  beech,  is  to  rebel  against  high  autho- 
rity ;  yet  who,  that  is  not  entirely  devoted 
to  pictorial  effect,  but  must  admire  it?  The 
oak  may  excel  it  in  dignity,  the  elm  in 
beauty,  and  the  ash  in  gracefulness:  still 
the  beech  is  a  noble  tree;  and  in  spring,  the  bright  sunny  tint 
of  its  feathery  foliage  renders  it  a  most  attractive  object. 

WEDDED  LOVE. 

1  have  been  wandering  in  the  wood 

Where  wither'd  leaves  my  path  were  strewing; 

And  winds,  with  ire  but  half  subdued, 
Seem'd  to  a  future  tempest  growing. 

Yet,  'mid  these  symbols  of  decay, 

My  mind  was  only  tuned  to  gladness: 

And  why? — It  is  our  wedding  day; 

What,  then,  have  I  to  do  with  sadness  1 

I  sat  me  down  beneath  a  tree, — 

That  tree,  so  famed  for  lover's  ditty, 
When  he  would  try  by  each  fond  plea 

To  move  his  mistress'  soul  to  pity. 

So  smooth  the  sylvan  tablet  shone, 

So  temptingly  'twas  spread  before  me, 

i  could  not  choose  but  trace  thereon, 
No  lover's,  but  a  matron's  story. 

Yet  ne'er  did  love,  when  hope  and  youth 

Each  minister  unto  his  pleasure, 
Feel  more  of  tenderness  and  truth 

Than  I,  whilst  breathing  this  fond  measure. 
Long  years  ago,  and  side  by  side, 

We  two  were  at  the  altar  kneeling, 
And  whilst  on  earth  the  knot  was  tied, 

Angels,  in  heaven,  our  vows  were  sealing. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


41 


ELL-FLOWER,  ROUNDLEAVED  BELL- 
FLOWER,  or  HAREBELL.  Campanula 
Rotundifolia.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  Or- 
der: MONOGYNIA.  The  name  of  Bell-flower 
was  never  more  appropriately  bestowed 
than  on  this  pretty,  delicate  plant,  which 
has  been  imagined  by  some  fanciful  poets 
to  ring  out  a  peal  of  fairy  music. 

CONSTANCY. 

Over  the  moorland,  over  the  lea, 
Dancing  airily,  there  are  we  : 
Sometimes,  mounted  on  stems  aloft, 

We  wave  o'er  broom  and  heather, 
To  meet  the  kiss  of  the  Zephyr  soft ; 

Sometimes,  close  together, 
Tired  of  dancing,  tired  .of  peeping, 
Under  the  whin  you'll  find  us  sleeping. 

Daintily  bend  we  our  honey'd  bells, 

While  the  gossiping  bee  her  story  tells, 

And  drowsily  hums  and  murmurs  on 

Of  the  wealth  to  her  waxen  storehouse  gone, 

And  though  she  gathers  our  sweets  the  while, 

We  welcome  her  in  with  a  nod  and  a  smile. 

TWAMLEY. 

Sooner  I'll  think  the  sun  would  cease  to  cheer 
The  teeming  earth,  and  then  forget  to  bear; 
Sooner  that  rivers  would  run  back,  or  Thames 
With  ribs  of  ice  in  June  would  bind  his  streams  : 
Or  nature,  by  whose  strength  the  world  endures, 
Would  change  her  course  before  you  alter  yours. 

JONSON. 

When  all  things  have  their  trial,  you  shall  find 
Nothing  is  constant  but  a  virtuous  mind. 

SHIRLEY. 


4* 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


IRCH.     Betula  Alba.     Class  21,  MONCECIA.  ! 
Order :  POLYANDRIA.    There  is  an  elegance  j 
in  the  general   appearance  of   the  birch  j 
which  fully  justifies  the  poet's  fancy,  and  ; 
entitles  it  to  the  appellation  he  has  given  j 
it,  of  "  Lady  of  the  Woods."     In  every  sea- !  | 
son,  and  under  all  circumstances,  it  is  ajj 
,  lovely  object;  nothing  can  exceed  the  tender  hue  of  its  vernal 
I  leaves,  as  they  wave  to  and  fro  in  the  sunshine.     In  summer, 
I  perhaps,  it  loses  something  of  its  beauty,  as  its  bright  tints  then 
|  subside  into  a  more  sober  green  ;  still  it  preserves  its  graceful- 
!  ness  of  aspect     In  autumn  it  almost  more  than  regains  what  it 
j  lost  in  summer;  whilst  winter,  which  deprives  most  other  vege- 
I  table  productions  of  their  charms,  by  displaying  more  fully  the 
|  slight  silvery  stem  and  delicate  ramifications  of  the  birch,  seems 
but  to  invest  it  with  new  attractions. 


GRACEFULNESS. 

O!  come  to  the  woodlands,  'tis  joy  to  behold 
The  new-waken'd  buds  in  our  pathway  unfold; 
For  spring  has  come  forth,  and  the  bland  southern  breeze 
Is  telling  the  tale  to  the  shrubs  and  the  trees, 
-Which,  anxious  to  show  her 
The  duty  they  owe  her, 
Have  deck'd  themselves  gaily  in  em' raid  and  gold. 

But  though  beautiful  each,  sure  the  fairest  of  all 
Is  yon  birch,  that  is  waving  so  graceful  and  tall: 
How  tender  yet  bright  is  the  tint  that  is  flung 
O'er  its  delicate  spray,  which  so  lightly  is  hung, 

That  like  breeze  of  the  mountain, 

Or  gush  of  the  fountain, 
It  owns  not  of  rest  or  of  slumber  the  thrall. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  43J| 


IRD-CHERRY.  Primus  Padus.  Class  12, 
ICOSANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  The 
bird-cherry  is  indigenous  in  most  parts  of 
Europe  ;  it  even  opens  its  fragile  flowers  to 
the  nipping  air  of  Russia  and  Siberia.  It 
abounds  in  the  northern  counties  of  Eng- 
land, and  is  profusely  scattered  among  the 
woods,  and  on  the  borders  of  the  mountain  torrents  of  Scotland. 
In  these  natural  fastnesses,  where  it  is  more  likely  to  escape  the 
stroke  of  the  axe,  it  often  rises  to  the  height  of  fifteen  feet  from 
a  stem  eighteen  inches  in  diameter,  and  spreads  its  branches  to 
a  considerable  distance. 

HOPE. 

Time  was,  when  shadowy  eve 

Was  dearer  to  my  heart  than  smiling  morn, 
And  than  the  lovely  garlands  Spring  doth  weave, 

The  faded  hues  by  pensive  Autumn  worn. 

'Twas  in  my  youthful  prime, 

When  life  itself  put  on  the  look  of  Spring ; 
Ere  Care,  that  ever  tracks  the  steps  of  Time, 

Seem'd  other  than  a  visionary  thing. 

Untouch'd  by  real  grief, 

E'en  from  its  own  excess  of  joy,  my  heart 
In  fancied  ills  would  oft  times  seek  relief, 

And  sport  with  Sorrow's  yet  unvenom'd  dart. 

But  now,  when  every  sigh 

Is  fraught,  alas!  with  meaning  full  and  deep; 
When  Hope  resigns  her  seat  to  Memory, 

And  leaves  me  o'er  her  vanish'd  dreams  to  weep: 

Oh !  now  I  turn  away 

From  Autumn's  sered  wreaths  to  Spring's  gay  bloom ; 
Those  all  too  sadly  mind  me  of  decay, 

These  bid  sweet  Hope  once  more  her  sway  resume. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


IRD'S-FOOT  TREFOIL.  Lotos.  Class  17, 
DIADELPHIA.  Order:  DECANDRIA.  There 
are  many  species  of  the  Bird's-Foot  Trefoil. 
The  most  common  Lotos  Corniculatus  is 
found  in  open  grassy  pastures,  where  it  en- 
livens the  Autumn,  with  its  golden  yellow 
flowers,  striped  with  dark  red.  Its  stem  is 
clothed  with  close-pressed  hairs,  and  its  seed-vessel  is  copper- 
coloured.  It  is  recommended  for  fodder  for  cattle,  by  the  name 
of  Milk  Vetch. 

REVENGE. 

One  sole  desire,  one  passion  now  remains, 
To  keep  life's  fever  still  within  his  veins  — 
Vengeance !  dire  vengeance  on  the  wretch  who  cast 
O'er  him  and  all  he  loved  that  ruinous  blast. 
For  this  he  still  lives  on,  careless  of  all 
The  wreaths  that  glory  on  his  path  lets  fall ; 
For  this  alone  exists  —  like  lightening  fire 
To  speed  one  bolt  of  vengeance,  and  expire  ! 

MOORE. 

Man  spurns  the  worm,  but  pauses  ere  he  wake 
The  slumbering  venom  of  the  folded  snake  : 
The  first  may  turn  —  but  not  avenge  the  blow ; 
The  last  expires  —  but  leaves  no  living  foe; 
Fast  to  the  doonrd  offender's  form  it  clings, 
And  he  may  crush  —  not  conquer  —  still  it  stings! 

BYRON. 

How  stands  the  great  account  'twixt  me  and  vengeance? 
Tho'  much  is  paid,  yet  still  it  owes  me  much ; 
And  I  will  not  abate  a  single  groan. 

YOUNG. 

Had  all  his  hairs  been  lives,  my  great  revenge 
Had  stomach  for  them  all. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


F  L  O  R  A '  S    L  E  X  I  C  O  N  .  45 


LUE-BOTTLE.    Centaurea  Cyanus.    Class  ! 
19,  SYNGENESIA.  Order:  FRUSTRANEA.  The  \ 
beautiful  blue  of  this  flower,  which  is  of  the 
colour  of  an  unclouded  sky,  has  made  it  the 
emblem  of  a  tender  and  delicate  sentiment, 
nourished  by  hope.     According  to  ancient 
fable,  this  plant  was  called  Cyanus,  after  a 
youth  of  that  name,  whose  attachment  to  corn-flowers  was  so 
strong,  that  he  employed  his  time  chiefly  in  making-  garlands  of  h 
them,  seldom  leaving  the  fields  so  long  as  his  favourite  flower  j 
was  to  be  found,  and  always  dressing  himself  in  the  fine  blue 
colour  of  the  flower  he  so  much  admired.     Flora  was  his  goddess ; 
and,  of  all  her  gifts,  this  was  the  one  he  most  admired.     At  last  j; 
the  youth  was  found  dead  in  a  corn-field,  in  the  midst  of  a  quan-  j 
tity  of  blue-bottles  he  had  gathered.    Soon  after  Flora  transformed  i 
his  body  into  this  flower,  in  token  of  the  veneration  he  had  for  j 
her  divinity. 

DELICACY. 

Thou  wilt,  I  trust,  find  other  hearts  to  bless, 

And  other  verdant  spots  in  life's  dull  waste, 

And  if  my  years  roll  on  in  loneliness, 

Still  I  must  tarry  where  my  lot  is  cast, — 

A  martyr-task  perchance  —  but  not  the  less 

Will  I  fulfil  it  — it  must  end  at  last, 

And  I  will  strive  on  other  hearts  to  pour 

The  gifts  of  gladness  mine  may  know  no  more ! 

I  am  but  what  I  was  before  we  met  — 

Beloved  by  some  because  my  face  is  fair. 

Because  my  brow  throbs  'neath  a  coronet, 

Because  my  brother  is  Ferrara's  heir,— 

But  still  in  solitude  I  must  forget 

That  one  has  known  my  inmost  thoughts  to  share: 

I  must  return  amid  the  reckless  throng, 

To  the  deep  silence  I  have  nursed  so  lor.g. 

ANON. 


46 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ONUS    HENRTCUS,    or    GOOSEFOOT. 
Chenopodium.     Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.    Or- 
der: DIGYNIA.     The  French    people   have 
given  the  name  of  their  beloved  king,  Henry 
IV.,  to  a  beneficent  and  useful  plant,  which 
grows  for  the  poor,  and  indeed  seems  exclu- 
sively to  belong  to  them.     Tn   France   it 
flourishes  without  any  cultivation,  and  forms  the  asparagus  and 
spinach  of  the  poor;  in  England  it  is  known  also  as  wild  spinach,  j 
The  leaves  are  said  to  be  of  great  service  when  applied  to  wounds,  j 
Happy  is  that  king  who  deserves  an  homage  so  universal  and  so  j 
simple ! 

• 

GOODNESS. 

Whose  nature  is  so  far  from  doing  harms, 
That  he  suspects  none. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

God's  benison  go  with  you ;  and  with  those 

That  would  make  good  of  bad,  and  friends  of  foes  ! 

SHAKSPEARE. 

He  was  too  good  to  be 

Where  ill  men  were;  and  was  the  best  of  all 
Amongst  the  rar'st  of  good  ones. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

A  most  incomparable  man ;  breathed,  as  it  were, 
To  an  untirable  and  continuate  goodness. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


So  far  as  M#y  doth  other  months  exceed, 
So  far  in  virtue  and  in  goodlihead 
Above  all  other  nymphs  Tanathe  bears  the  meed. 

THOMSON. 


Your  very  goodness  and  your  company 
O'erpays  all  I  can  do. 


SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


4? 


OX.  Buxus.  Class  21,  MONOJCIA.  Order : 
TETRANDRIA.  This  tree  is  made  symboli- 
cal of  a  Stoic,  on  account  of  the  firmness 
of  its  wood,  which,  like  the  Stoics  of  old, 
cannot  be  warped.  The  box  was  formerly 
a  favourite  ornament  for  gardens,  being 
planted  in  hedges  and  borders,  which  were 
trimmed  into  fantastical  forms. 

STOICISM.    CONSTANCY. 

O  foolishness  of  men !  that  lend  their  ears 
To  those  budge  doctors  of  the  stoic  fur, 
And  fetch  their  precepts  from  the  cynic  tub, 
Praising  the  lean  and  sallow  abstinence. 

MILTON. 

How  goodly  looks  Cytorus,  ever  green, 
With  boxen  groves. 

DRYDEN. 

Nor  box,  nor  limes,  without  their  use  are  made, 
Smooth-grain'd  and  proper  for  the  turner's  trade ; 
Which  curious  hands  may  carve,  and  seal 
With  ease  invade. 

VIRGIL. 

I  have  won 

Thy  heart,  my  gentle  girl !  but  it  hath  been 
When  that  soft,  eye  was  on  me ;  and  the  love 
I. told  beneath  the  evening  influence, 
Shall  be  as  constant  as  its  gentle  star. 

WILLIS. 

Why  have  I  not  this  constancy  of  mind, 
Who  have  so  many  griefs  to  try  its  force. 

ADDISON. 

Proud  of  her  birth  (for  equals  he  had  none), 
The  rest  she  scorn'd,  but  hated  him  alone; 
His  gifts,  his  constant  courtship,  nothing  gain'd, 
For  she,  the  more  he  loved,  the  more  disdain'd. 

DRYDEN. 


48  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


ROOM.  Genista.  Class  17,  DIADELPHIA. 
Order :  DECANDRIA.  We  presume  that  this  L 
plant  has  been  made  the  emblem  of  neat- 
ness from  the  uses  tc  which  it  is  constantly 
applied.  In  our  country  villages,  and 
throughout  the  country,  it  is  known  to  every 
thrifty  housewife  as  affording  besoms  for 
sweeping,  whence  originated  the  name  of  "  broom"  for  those 
domestic  cleansers. 

There  are  many  useful  species  of  it.  "  The  broom,"  says  Mr. 
Marty n,  "converts  the  most  barren  spot  into  an  odoriferous  gar- 
den." 

NEATNESS. 

On  me  such  beauty  summer  pours, 

That  I  am  cover'd  o'er  with  flowers ; 

And  when  the  frost  is  in  the  sky, 

My  branches  are  so  fresli  and  gay, 

That  you  might  look  at  me  and  say, 

Tliis  plant  can  never  die. 

The  butterfly,  all  green  and  gold, 

To  me  hath  often  flown, 

Here  in  my  blossoms  to  behold 

Wings  lovely  as  his  own. 

WORDSWORTH. 

Hypericum,  all  bloom,  so  thick  a  swarm 
Of  flowers,  like  flies,  clothing  her  slender  rods, 
That  scarce  a  leaf  appears ;  mezereon  too, 
Though  leafless,  well  attired,  and  thick  beset 
With  blushing  wreaths,  investing  every  spray; 
Althea,  with  the  purple  eye;  the  broom, 
Yellow  and  bright,  as  bullion  unalloyed 
Her  blossoms. 

COWPER. 

Sweet  blooms  genista  in  the  myrtle  shade. 

DARWIN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


49 


RYONY.  Bryonca  Dioicia.  Class  21,  Mo- 
NCECIA.  Order:  TRIANDRIA.  The  name 
Bryony,  and  the  botanical  one,  Bryonea,  are 
derived  from  a  Greek  word  meaning  to  push 
forth,  or  grow  rapidly.  The  root  grows  to 
an  enormous  size ;  in  former  times  of  igno- 
rance and  superstition,  cunning  impostors 
made  use  of  it  in  their  pretended  miraculous  doings,  and  some- 
times artfully  contrived  to  make  the  root  grow  sufficiently  like 
the  human  figure  to  be  supposed  a  magical  resemblance.  They 
effected  this  by  placing  a  mould  of  the  shape  required  round  the 
roots  of  a  healthy  young  Bryony  plant,  fastened  with  wires ;  and 
such  is  the  rapid  growth  of  the  root,  that  the  image  would  be 
formed  in  one  summer. 


PROSPERITY. 

The  slender  Bryony  that  weaves 

His  pale  green-  flowers  and  glossy  leaves 

Aloft  in  smooth  and  lithe  festoons ; 

And  crown'd  compact  with  yellow  cones, 

'Mid  purple  petals  dropp'd  with  green, 

The  woody  nightshade  climbs  between. 

MANT. 

Nightshade's  purple  flowers, 

Hanging  so  sleepily  their  turban'd  heads, 
Rested  upon  the  hedge;  and  Bryony, 
So  lavish  of  its  vinelike  growth,  o'erhung 
And  canopied  the  flowers;  while  soften'd  gleams 
Of  sunlight,  falling  through  the  leafy  screen, 
Shed  a  faint  emerald  tinge  upon  them  all. 

TWAMLEY. 


L 


Prosperity  doth  bewitch  men,  seeming  clear; 
But  seas  do  laugh,  show  white,  when  rocks  are  near. 

WEBSTER. 


50  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

UTTER-CUP.  Ranunculus  JEm.  Class 
13,  POLYANDRIA.  Order:  POLYGYNIA.  This 
plant  contains  many  virulent  qualities,  which 
are  said  to  affect  cattle,  especially  sheep, 
and  particularly  the  root,  which  has  the 
property  of  inflaming  and  blistering  the 
skin.  Shakspeare  mentions  it  as  the  cuckoo- 
flower in  King  Lear, — 

Nettles,  cuckoo-flowers, 
Darnell,  and  all  the  wild  weeds. 

And  Clare,  the  Northamptonshire  poet,  alludes  to  its  ungrateful 
qualities  in  some  lines  on  the  "  Eternity  of  Nature :"  detailing 
his  morning's  walk,  he  says, 

I  wander  out  and  rhyme; 
What  hour  the  dewy  morning's  infancy 
Hangs  on  each  blade  of  grass  and  every  tree, 
And  sprents  the  red  thighs  of  the  humble  bee, 
Who  'gins  betimes  unwearied  minstrelsy; 
Who  breakfasts,  dines,  and  most  divinely  sups, 
With  every  flower  save  golden  buttercups, — 
On  whose  proud  bosoms  he  will  never  go, 
But  passes  by  with  scarcely  '  how  do,  ye  do,' 
Since  in  their  showy,  shining,  gaudy  colls, 
Haply  the  summer's  honey  never  dwells. 

INGRATITUDE. 

I  served  thee  fifteen  hard  campaigns, 
And  pitch'd  thy  standards  in  these  foreign  fields; 
By  me  thy  greatness  grew;  thy  years  grew  with  it; 
But  thy  ingratitude  outgrew  them  both. 

DRY  DEN. 

He  that's  ungrateful,  has  no  guilt  but  one; 
All  other  crimes  may  pass  for  virtues  in  him. 

YOUNG. 

He  that  doth  public  good  for  multitudes, 
Finds  few  are  truly  grateful. 

MARSTON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  51 


AMELLIA,  or  JAPAN  ROSE.  Camellia 
Japonica.  Class  16,  MONADELPHIA.  Order: 
POLYANDRIA.  This  splendid  genus  of  flowers 
received  its  name  from  Geo.  Joseph  Kamel, 
whose  name  is  written  Camellus  in  Latin,  a 
Jesuit,  writer  of  a  botanical  work.  It  was  in- 
troduced into  England  about  the  middle  of 
last  century,  and  has  become  a  great  favourite  with  florists,  both  in 
that  country  and  the  United  States.  There  are  many  very  splen- 
did varieties  to  be  found  in  the  gardens  and  conservatories  of  Phila- 
delphia. 

MY  DESTINY  IS  IN  YOUR  HANDS. 

In  pleasure's  dream  or  sorrow's  hour, 
In  crowded  hall  or  lonely  bower, 
The  business  of  my  soul  shall  be, 
For  ever  to  remember  thee  ! 

MOORE. 

Oh  magic  of  love !  unembellish'd  by  you 
Has  the  garden  a  blush  or  the  herbage  a  hue  3 
Or  blooms  there  a  prospect  in  nature  or  art, 
Like  Hie  vista  that  shines  through  the  eye  to  the  heart? 

MOORE. 

That  happy  minglement  of  hearts, 
Where,  chang'd  as  chemic  compounds  are, 
Each  with  its  own  existence  parts, 
To  find  a  new  one,  happier  far ! 

MOORE. 

Oh  what,  while  I  could  hear  and  see 
Such  words  and  looks,  was  heaven  to  me? 
Though  gross  the  air  on  earth  I  drew, 
'Twas  blessed,  while  she  breath'd  it  too; 
Though  dark  the  flowers,  though  dim  the  sky, 
Love  lent  them  light,  while  she  was  nigh. 

MOOUE. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 

ANTERBURY    BELL.      Campanula  Me-  , 
dium.     Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.     Order :  Mo- 
NOGYNIA.     This  was  a  very  fashionable  plant 
some  thirty  years  ago,  and  is  still  cultivated. 
It  is  used  in  Holland  as  an  ornament  to  halls 
and  staircases,  and  for  placing  before  fire- 
places in  the  summer.     For  this  purpose  it 
is  planted  in  large  pots,  and  is  trained  in  such  a  manner  as  to  ii 
cover  a  large  surface,  and  continues  to  flower  for  two  or  three  \ 
months  in  shady  places.     When  in  full  flower  it  is  a  very  rnag- ; 
nificent  plant,  rising  in  a  pyramidal  shape,  not  unlike  that  of  the  : 
towering  pagoda.     It  may  be  trained  to  almost  any  shape,  and  ; 
we  presume  that  on  this  account  it  has  been  made  the  emblem  | 
of  gratitude. 

GRATITUDE. 

The  benefits  he  sow'd  in  me,  met  not 
Unthankful  ground,  but  yielded  him  his  own 
With  fair  increase  ;  and  I  still  glory  in  it. 

MASSINGEII. 

I  find  a  pious  gratitude  disperse 
Within  my  soul ;  and  every  thought  of  him 
Engenders  a  warm  sigh  within  me,  which, 
Like  curls  of  holy  incense,  overtake 
Each  other  in  my  bosom,  and  enlarge 
With  their  embrace  his  sweet  remembrance. 

SHIRLEY. 

I  have  five  hundred  crowns, 
The  thrifty  hire  I  saved  under  your  father, 
Which  I  did  store,  to  be  my  foster  nurse, 
When  service  should  in  my  old  limbs  lie  lame, 
And  unregarded  age  in  corners  thrown ; 
Take  that:  and  He  that  doth  the  ravens  feed, 
Yea  providently  caters  for  the  sparrow, 
Be  comfort  to  my  age. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  53 

ARDINAL'S  FLOWER.     Lobelia  Cardi- 
natis.     Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.     Order :  Mo- 
NOGYNIA.     This  elegant  plant  is  decorated 
with  bright  scarlet  flowers.    It  is  indigenous  ! 
in  our  country,  growing  on  the  borders  of  ' 
rivers  and  streamlets.     It  is  a  flower  of  sin- 
gular elegance  and  richness. 


DISTINCTION. 

For  places  in  the  court,  are  but  like  beds 
In  the  hospital ;  where  this  man's  head  lies 
At  that  man's  foot,  and  so  lower  and  lower. 

WEBSTER. 

If  on  the  sudden  he  begins  to  rise ; 

No  man  that  lives  can  count  his  enemies. 

MIDDLE-TON. 

All  preferment 

That  springs  from  sin  and  lust  shoots  up  quickly; 
As  gard'ner's  crops  do  in  the  rott'nest  grounds; 
So  is  all  means  raised  from  base  prostitution, 
Even  like  a  salad  growing  upon  a  dunghill. 

MlDDLETON. 

What  throngs  of  great  impediments  besiege 
The  virtuous  mind?  so  thick,  they  jostle 
One  another  as  they  come.     Hath  vice  a 
Charter  got,  that  none  must  rise,  but  such,  who 
Of  the  devil's  faction  are  1  the  way  to 
Honour  is  not  evermore  the  way  to 
Hell:  a  virtuous  man  may  climb.     Let  the 
Flatterer  sell  his  lies  elsewhere,  it  is 
Unthrifty  merchandise  to  change  my  gold 
For  breath. 

DAVENANT. 


54  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


ARNATION.  Dianthus.  Class  10,  DECAN- 
DRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  We  hope  that 
disdain  is  as  scarce  among  our  countrywo- 
men as  the  yellow  carnation  is  in  our  native 
land.  As  disdainful  people  generally  exact 
homage,  and  possess  little  amiability;  so 
with  this  plant,  it  is  the  least  beautiful  and 
fragrant  of  its  kind,  yet  requires  continual  care  and  attention. 

DISDAIN. 

So  proud  she  shineth  in  her  princely  state, 
Looking  to  heaven;  for  earth  she  did  disdain, 

And  sitting  high ;   for  lowly  she  did  hate : 
Lo,  underneath  her  scornful  feet  was  lain, 
A  dreadful  dragon  with  an  hideous  train. 

SPENSER. 

But  shall  the  blood  of  her  that  loves  me  then 

Be  sacrificed  to  her -disdainfulness 
That  scorns  my  lovel     And  shall  I  hope  to  win 

Mercy  from  her  by  being  merciless? 

DANIEL. 

In  vain  he  thus  attempts  her  mind  to  move, 
With  tears  and  prayers,  and  late  repenting  love, 
Disdainfully  she  look'd;  then  turning  round, 
But  fix'd  her  eyes  unmoved  upon  the  ground. 

DRYDEN. 

There  dwelt  the  scorn  of  vice,  and  pity  too, 
For  those  that  did  what  she  disdain'd  to  do, 
So  gentle  and  severe,  that  what  was  bad, 
At  once  her  hatred  and  her  pardon  had 

WALLER. 

There  clamours  with  disdain  the  Scylla  heard; 
Much  grudg'd  the  praise,  but  more  the  robb'd  reward. 

DRYDEN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  55'' 


KERRY  TREE.  Prunus  Cerasus.  Class 
12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  It 
is  generally  believed  that  the  cherry  tree 
was  first  introduced  into  Italy,  73  A.  £.,  by 
Lucullus,  who  obtained  it  from  a  town  in 
Pontus,  in  Asia,  called  Cerasus,  whence 
it  derives  its  specific  name.  The  Romans  i 
brought  it  to  England,  though  it  is  supposed  that  these  have  all 
been  lost.  There  is  no  proof  that  cherries  were  in  England  at 
the  period  of  the  Norman  conquest,  nor  for  some  time  after ;  but 
Lydgate,  who  wrote  about  1415,  or  before,  says  that  cherries 
v/ere  then  exposed  for  sale  in  the  London  market,  as  they  are 
now  in  the  early  season.  It  is  a  very  ornamental  tree  in  the 
shrubbery  and  in  woods,  and  is  esteemed  valuable,  as  encouraging 
the  various  species  of  thrush.  We,  of  course,  received  it  from 
Europe. 


GOOD  EDUCATION. 


Nurse  of  my  country's  infancy,  her  stay 

In  youthful  trials  and  in  danger's  day; 

Diffusive  Education!  'tis  to  thee, 

She  owes  her  mountain-breath  of  Liberty ; 

To  thee  she  looks,  through  Time's  illusive  gloom, 

To  light  her  path,  and  shield  her  from  the  tomb; 

Beneath  thine  ^Egis,  tyranny  shall  fail, 

Before  thy  frown  the  traitor's  heart  shall  quail; 

Ambitious  foes  to  liberty  may  wear 

A  patriot  mask,  to  compass  what  they  dare, 

And  sting  the  thoughtless  nation,  while  they  emile 

Benignantly  and  modestly  the  while; 

But  thou  shalt  rend  the  virtuous-seeming  guise, 

And  guard  her  from  the  worst  of  enemies. 

DAWES. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


HINA,  or  INDIAN  PINK.  Dianthus.  Class 
10,  DECANDRIA.  Order:  DIGYNIA.  This 
gaily  painted  flower  we  have  taken  from  the 
fertile  soil  of  the  east  to  decorate  our  par- 
terres. Its  colours  are  richer  than  those  of 
the  Sweet  William,  and  it  continues  in 
flower  for  a  longer  period ;  but  its  flowers  j 
being  placed  singly  on  branching  stems,  like  those  of  the  com 
mon  pink,  they  never  present  that  fine  mass  of  colour  which  the 
large  umbel  of  the  Sweet  William  exhibits,  and  they  are  entirely 
deficient  in  that  fragrance  for  which  the  pink  is  so  much  ad- 
mired. 

AVERSION. 

They  say  all  breathing  nature  has  an  instinct 
Of  that  which  would  destroy  it.     I  of  thee 
Feel  that  abhorrence !    If  a  glistering  serpent 
Hiss'd  in  my  path,  I  could  not  shudder  more, 
Nor  would  I  kill  it  sooner  —  so  begone! 
I'll  strike  thee  dead  else ! 

WILLIS. 

Ask  not  which  passion  in  my  soul  was  higher, 
My  last  aversion,  or  my  first  desire; 
Nor  this  the  greater  was,  nor  that  the  less ; 
Both  were  alike,  for  both  were  in  excess. 

DRYDEN. 

Sooner  the  olive  shall  provoke 
To  am'rous  clasps  this  sturdy  oak, 
And  doves  in  league  with  eagles  be, 
Ere  I  will  glance  a  smile  on  thee. 
Sooner  yon  duskish  mulberry 
In  her  old  white  shall  clothed  be, 
And  lizards  with  fierce  asps  combine, 
Ere  I  will  twist  my  soul  with  thine. 

HALL. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  57 


HINA  ASTER,  or  STARWORT.  Aster 
Chinensis.  Class  19.  SYNGENESIA.  Order : 
POLYGAMIA  SUPERFLUA.  Europe  and  Ame- 
rica are  indebted  to  the  missionary,  Fattier 
d'Incarville,  for  this  beautiful  various-colour- 
ed flower ;  he  having  first  sent  it  to  the 
"  Jardin  du  Roi,"  at  Paris,  about  1730.  At 
first  it  produced  only  simple  flowers  of  one  uniform  colour ;  but, 
by  cultivation,  they  became  so  doubled  and  quadrupled  in  form, 
and  so  varied  in  colour  that  it  now  forms  one  of  the  principal 
ornaments  of  the  parterre,  from  July  to  November. 

The  Chinese,  who  have  favoured  us  with  this  plant,  make  ad 
rnirable  use  of  it  in  decorating1  their  gardens.  To  prepare  them, 
they  first  raise  the  plants  in  pots;  then,  separating  the  colours, 
they  dispose  them  with  such  infinite  art  as  to  produce  one  splen 
did  and  harmonious  whole.  This  effect  is  often  increased  by 
planting  them  near  the  side  of  a  lake. 

The  China-aster  is  made  the  emblem  of  variety ;  and  owes  its 
principal  charms  to  a  careful  culture  of  the  skilful  gardener,  who 
has  surrounded  its  golden  disks  with  every  colour  of  the  rainbow. 
So  study  produces  an  endless  variety  in  the  refinement  of  the  hu- 
man mind.  Though  majestic  and  brilliant,  the  China-aster  is  not 
the  imprudent  rival  of  the  rose,  but  succeeds  it,  and  consoles  us 
for  its  absence. 

VARIETY  OF  CHARMS. 

Who  hath  not  proved  how  feebly  words  essay 
To  fix  one  spark  of  beauty's  heavenly  ray  1 
Who  doth  not  feel,  until  his  failing  sight 
Faints  into  dimness  with  its  own  delight, 
His  changing  cheek,  his  sinking  heart  confess 
The  might — the  majesty  of  loveliness  ? 

By  RON. 

Heart  on  her  lips,  and  soul  within  her  eyes, 
Soft  as  her  clime,  and  sunny  as  her  skies. 

BYRON. 


58 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


HRYSANTHEMUM,  CHINESE.  Chrys- 
anthemum Indicum.  Class  19,  SYNOENE- 
SIA.  Order :  SUPERFLUA.  Cheerfulness  is 
the  best  shield  that  can  be  found  to  lighten 
the  strokes  of  adversity.  This  flower,  that 
gives  so  much  cheerfulness  to  the  parterre, 
when  nearly  all  the  other  children  of  Flora 
have  withdrawn  their  smiles,  is  presented  as  the  emblem  of  this 
enviable  disposition,  and  of  the  loveliness  which  it  adorns. 

LOVELINESS  AND  CHEERFULNESS. 

Smooth  flow  the  waves,  the  zephyrs  gently  play, 
Belinda  smiled  and  all  the  world  was  gay. 

POPE. 

When  Cheerfulness,  a  nymph  of  healthiest  hue, 
Her  bow  across  her  shoulders  flung, 
Her  buskins  gemni'd  with  morning  dew, 
Blew  an  inspiring  air,  that  dale  and  thicket  rung. 

COLLINS. 

And  her  against  sweet  cheerfulness  was  placed, 
Whose  eyes  like  twinkling  stars  in  evening  clear, 
Were  deck't  with  smyles,  that  all  sad  humours  chased, 
And  parted  forth  delights,  the  which  her  goodly  graced. 


Cheerful  looks  make  every  dish  a  feast, 
And  'tis  that  crowns  a  welcome. 


SPENSER. 


MASSINCER. 


What  then  remains  but  well  our  power  to  use, 
And  keep  good  humour  still,  whate'er  we  lose1? 
And  trust  me,  dear,  good  humour  can  prevail, 
When  airs,  and  flights,  and  screams,  and  scolding  fail ; 
Beauties  in  vain  their  pretty  eyes  may  roll; 
Charms  strike  the  sight,  but  merit  wins  the  soul. 

POPE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


59 


LEMATIS.     Clematis    Virginiana.      Class 
13,    POLYANDRIA.      Order :    HEPTAGYNIA. 

This  is  a  climbing  shrub  of  rapid  growth, 
ornamental,  and  highly  fragrant.  Its  leaves 
are  used  by  mendicants  to  produce  ulcers,  in 
order  to  excite  commiseration.  This  infa- 
mous artifice  is  often  the  cause  of  real  and 
permanent  wounds.  This  genus  embraces  no  less  than  thirty 
species  which  are  distributed  over  all  quarters  of  the  globe.  By 
some  writers  it  is  made  the  emblem  of  mental  beauty ;  by  others, 
of  artifice. 


ARTIFICE. 

Shallow  artifice  begets  suspicion, 

And  like  a  cobweb  veil  but  thinly  shades 

The  face  of  thy  design :  alone  disguising 

What  should  have  ne'er  been  seen;  imperfect  mischief! 

Thou,  like  the  adder,  venomous  and  deaf, 

I  last  stung  the  traveller;  and,  after,  hear'st 

Not  his  pursuing  voice;  e'en  when  thou  think'st 

To  hide,  the  rustling  leaves  and  bended  grass 

Confess  and  point  the  path  which  thou  hast  crept. 

0  fate  of  fools  !  officious  in  contriving ; 
In  executing,  puzzled,  lame,  and  lost. 

CONGREVE. 

What's  the  bent  brow,  or  neck  in  thought  reclined  .' 

The  body's  wisdom  to  conceal  the  mind. 

A  man  of  sense  can  artifice  disdain, 

As  men  of  wealth  may  venture  to  go  plain ; 

And  be  this  truth  eternal  ne'er  forgot, 

Solemnity's  a  cover  for  a  sot. 

1  find  the  fool  when  I  behold  the  screen; 
For  'tis  the  wise  man's  interest  to  be  seen. 

YOUNG. 


60  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

LEMATIS,  ENGLISH.  Clematis  Vitalba. 
Class  13,  POLYANDRIA.  Order :  PENTAGY- 
NIA.  This  is  called  Traveller's  Joy  !  "  I 
do  not  know,"  says  Miss  Twamley,"  its  ori- 
gin further  than  that  the  beauty  of  the  plant 
is  cheering  to  far  travellers,  clothing  as  it 
does  the  wayside  hedges  and  banks."  It  is, 
I  however,  a  sweet,  kindly  old-fashioned  name. 


TRAVELLER'S  JOY. 

Who  gave  to  thee  that  name, 
So  full  of  homely  and  most  pleasant  thought? 

Its  charm  might  win  renown 
For  many  a  thing  with  far  less  beauty  fraught. 

There's  something  in  it  tells 
Of  wanderings  ended  brightly  ; — of  the  close, 

'Mid  old  familiar  scenes, 
Of  the  tired  wayfarer's  amount  of  woes. 

Wert  thou  the  humblest  flower 
That  we  e'er  scorn  with  that  rude  term,  "a  weed, 

Thy  name  would  unto  me 
For  kindly  thought  and  pleasant  fancies  plead. 

But  thou  art  beautiful, 
And  our  sole  native  of  thy  graceful  band, 

Which  we  so  prize,  and  seek, 
In  varied  form  and  hue,  through  many  a  land. 

How  often  have  I  paused, 
A  joyous  traveller,  in  sooth,  to  cull 

A  garland  of  thy  flowers, 
When  with  faint  sweets  the  sun  had  fill'd  them  full. 

TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


61 


OLTSFOOT.  Tussilago  Farfarus.  Class 
19,  SYNGENESIA.  Order :  SUPERFLUA.  The 
odd  name  Coltsfoot  was  given  from  the  fan- 
cied resemblance  of  the  leaves  to  a  colt's 
foot,  and  from  the  same  cause  it  has  been 
called,  Horse-hoof,  Foal-foot,  and  Bull-foot. 
The  Latin  name  Tussilago  Farfarus  is 
iifrom  tussis,  a  cough,  from  its  supposed  efficacy  in  curing  such 
1 1  complaints,  and  farfarus,  a  Greek  term  for  the  White  Poplar, 
j!  the  leaves  of  which  it  resembles.  Tinder  is  made  from  the  cot- 
ji  tony  down  on  the  under  surface  of  its  leaves,  and  they  are  some- 
times smoked  instead  of  tobacco. 

MATERNAL  CARE. 

On  scaly  stem,  with  cottony  down, 

O'erlaid,  its  lemon-colour'd  crown, 

Which  droop'd  unclosed,  but  now  erect, 

The  Colts-foot  bright  developes ;  deck'd 

(Ere  yet  the  impurpled  stalk  displays 

Its  dark  green  leaves)  with  countless  rays, 

Round  countless  tubes,  alike  in  dye, 

Expanded.  MANT. 

Belinda !  The  young  blossom  that  doth  lie 
So  lightly  on  thy  bosom,  —  clasp  it  there; 
For  on  her  brow  an  empress  doth  not  wear, 
Nor  in  her  jewell'd  zone,  a  gem  more  fair, 
Or  that  doth  deck  her  more  becomingly. 
Forget  not  then,  that  deep  within  thy  flower 
The  germs  lie  hid  of  lovelier,  holier  things :  — 
Filial  affection,  that  spontaneous  springs; 
High  truth  and  maiden  purity  ;  —  the  power 
That  comes  of  gentleness ;  —  ay,  and  more,  — 
Piety,  nourished  in  the  bosom's  core ; 
These,  if  so  cherish'd,  shall  thy  blossom  bear, 
And  with  the  dews  of  heavenly  love  impearl'd, 
It  shall  adorn  thee  in  another  world. 

x  WELLS. 


f. 


62  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OLUMBINE.  Aquilegia.  Class  13,  POLY- 
ANDRIA.  Order  :  MONOGYNIA.  This  grace- 
ful flower  has  long  been  a  favourite  inhabit- 
ant of  the  rustic  flower  border,  and  is  com- 
monly found  in  the  open  places  of  forests,  or 
extensive  woods.  It  has  been  made  the  em- 
blem of  folly  ; — why,  it  is  difficult  to  say. 

FOLLY. 


Bring  Lilies  for  a  maiden's  graye, 

Roses  to  deck  the  bride, 
Tulips  for  all  who  love  thro'  life 

In  brave  attire  to  ride: 
Bring  each  for  each,  in  bower  and  hall, 
But  cull  the  Columbine  for  all. 

"The  Columbine?   full  many  a  flower 
Hath  hues  more  clear  and  bright, 

Although  she  doth  in  purple  go, 
In  crimson,  pink,  and  white. 

Why,  when  so  many  fairer  shine, 

Why  choose  the  homely  Columbine?" 

"  Know  ye  the  cap  which  Folly  wears 

In  ancient  masques  and  plays  1 
Does  not  the  Columbine  recal 

That  toy  of  olden  days  1 
And  is  not  Folly  reigning  now 
O'er  many  a  wisdom-written  brow? 

"'Tis  Folly's  flower,  that  homely  one; 

That  universal  guest 
Makes  every  garden  but  a  type 

Of  every  human  breast; 
For  though  ye  tend  both  mind  and  bower, 
There's  still  a  nook  for  Folly's  flower." 

TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ON  VOLVULUS,  or  SEA  BINDWEED.  Ca- 
lystegia  Soldanella.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA. 
Order :  MONOGYNIA.  Botanists  have  re- 
cently separated  this  flower  from  the  genus 
Convolvulus,  and  name  it  Calystegia,  from 
two  Greek  words  signifying  pretty,  and  a 
covering,  the  calyx  of  the  flower  being  co- 


by  two  leaf-like  appendages  called  bracts. 


UNCERTAINTY. 

On  the  low  sandy  shore, 
Where,  with  a  mighty  roar, 
Breakers,  with  foam-crest  hoar, 

Long  years  have  roll'd  ; — 
Where  the  turf  never  springs, 
Where  the  wind's  bufFetings 
Tear  the  poor  flower,  that  clings 

To  the  rock  cold. 

There,  Lady,  low  and  lone, 
Where,  on  the  storm-blast's  moan, 
Comes  the  wreck'd  sailor's  groan, 

Is  my  chill  dwelling;  — 
I  hear  the  signal  gun, 
Ere  the  storm's  work  is  done; 
I  know  that  help  is  none, 
I  know  the  good  ship's  gone, 
I  know  the  tempest's  won 

The  triumph  'tis  telling. 

TWAMLET 

Hope  and  fear  alternate  sway'd  his  breast, 
Like  light  and  shade  upon  a  waving  field, 
Coursing  each  other,  when  the  flying  clouds 
Now  hide,  and  now  reveal  the  sun. 

HOME. 


64  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ONVOLVULUS.  WHITE  BINDWEED. 
Calystegia  Sepium.  Class  5,  PENTANDRTA. 
Order  :  MONOGYNIA.  This  perennial  twiner 
is  a  species  of  convolvulus,  and  is  a  very 
troublesome  plant  in  the  cornfield,  where  it 
is  very  commonly  found.  It  is  a  simple 
flower;  and  probably  on  account  of  this 
quality  it  has  been  made  the  emblem  of  humility. 


HUMILITY. 

Lady,  I  dwell  in  the  shady  wood, 

Beneath  the  ancient  trees; 
And  I  hang  o'er  gnarled  bole  and  branch 

My  dainty  tapestries. 

I  lie  on  my  couch  of  arrowy  leaves, 

And  slumber  with  closed  eye, 
And  only  look  out  from  my  curtain'd  bowor, 

When  the  sun  is  rising  high. 

O'er  bank  and  hedge,  like  a  fairy  camp, 
Gleam  tent-like  flowers  of  mine ; 

And  elvish  folk  lie  basking  there, 
All  through  the  noontide  shine. 

I  love  the  river's  sedgy  bank, 

Where  purple  loose-strife  bends, 
Near  fleur-de-lis,  and  meadow-sweet, 

All  those  dear  ancient  friends. 

I  love  to  twine  around  them  all, 

And  with  fond  arms  to  cling 
Around  the  cluster'd  stems  and  flowers 

In  many  a  mazy  ring. 

TWAMLEY. 


J 


FLORA'S   LEXICON.  65 


ONVOLVULUS,  FIELD.  Class  5,  PENT- 
ANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  This  smal 
pink  flower  rejoices  in  as  many  titles  as  any 
royal  prince,  for  it  is  so  common  and  so 
troublesome,  as  to  have  made  itself  a  name 
in  all  rural  vocabularies ;  among1  others,  it 
is  known  as  Weed-bind,  Rope-weed,  Bell- 
!i  bind,  Bell-wind,  With-wind,  and  Hedgebells. 


CAPTIVATION. 

Come  from  the  dim  woods,  come  from  the  sea, 
Come  to  the  meadows  and  laugh  with  me; 
Great  heavy  trees  are  gloomy  things, 
And  dismally  ever  old  Neptune  sings; 

Come  to  the  meadows  bright, 

Where,  in  the  sunny  light, 

Over  the  blades  of  grass 

Soft-winged  zephyrs  pass; 
Come  with  me  there. 

Come  to  the  uplands  high, 

Where  the  rich  cornfields  lie 
Golden  and  rare. 

Come  from  the  shady  woods, 

Come  from  the  roaring  floods, 
Come,  where  the  meadows  lie  fragrant  and  fair ! 

TWAMLEY. 

We  merry  flowers  are  running 

The  meadow  mazes  through; 
And  be  the  farmers  e'er  so  cunning, 

We're  as  cunning  too! 
And  many  a  time  the  Farmer  vows 

He  '11  banish  us  his  land ; 
And  we  still  run  up  the  Hawthorn  bough, 

A  merry  and  myriad  band. 

TWAMLEY. 


66 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


RANBERRY.  Oxycoccus.    Class  8,  OCTAN- 
DRIA.     Order :    MONOGYNIA.     This   useful  j 
berry  is  very  abundant  in  the  United  States.  | 
It  commonly  grows  in  and  about  the  little  j 
pools  of  the  swampy  moorlands,  and  the  ga- 
therers are  often  obliged  to  wade  into  the 
water  to  come  at  them,  so  that  the  pittance 
they  thus  win  is  dearly  earned.     The  botanical  name  is  one  of 
odd  sound  but  good  meaning,  being  oxycoccus,  from  two  Greek 
words  meaning  acid  and  fruit. 


I 


HARDINESS. 

The  Cranberry  blossom  dwelleth  there 

Amid  the  mountains  cold, 
Seeming  like  a  fairy  gift 

Left  on  the  dreary  wold. 

Oh!  and  'tis  very  beautiful, 

The  flowers  are  pink  and  white, 

Arid  the  small  oval  polish'd  leaves 
Are  evergreen  and  bright. 

'Tis  such  a  wee,  fair,  dainty  thing, 
You'd  think  a  greenhouse  warm 

Would  be  its  proper  dwelling  place, 
Kept  close  from  wind  and  storm. 

But  on  the  moors  it  dwelleth  free 
Like  a  fearless  mountain  child ; 

With  a  rosy  cheek,  a  lightsome  look, 
And  a  spirit  strong  and  wild. 

The  bushes  all  in  water  grow, 

In  those  small  pools  that  lie 
In  scores  among  the  turfy  knolls 

On  mountains  broad  and  high. 

TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  67 


ROCUS.  Crocus.   Class  3,  TRIANDRIA.   Or- 
der :  MONOGYNIA.  According  to  the  Grecian 
mythology,  the  name  of  this  flower  is  de- 
rived from  Crocus,  a  youth  who  was  con- 
sumed by  the  ardour  of  his  love  for  the 
nymph  Smilax,  and  afterwards  changed  into 
the  flower  which  bears  his  name.     The 
common  saffron  used  in  medicine  is  a  species  of  crocus,  the  cro- 
cus sativus,  a  native  of  Greece  and  Asia  Minor. 


CHEERFULNESS. 

Oh !  many  a  glorious  flower  there  grows 

In  far  and  richer  lands; 
But  high  in  my  affection  e'er 

The  Autumnal  Crocus  stands. 

I  love  their  faces,  when  by  one 

And  two  they're  looking  out: 
I  love  them  when  the  spreading  field 

Is  purple  all  about. 

I  loved  them  in  the  by-gone  years 
Of  childhood's  thoughtless  laughter, 

When  I  marvelPd  why  the  flowers  came  first, 
And  the  leaves  the  season  after. 

I  loved  them  then,  I  love  them  now  — 

The  gentle  and  the  bright; 
I  love  them  for  the  thoughts  they  bring 

Of  Spring's  returning  light; 

When,  first-born  of  the  waking  earth, 

Their  kindred  gay  appear, 
And,  with  the  Snow-drop,  usher  in 

The  hope-invested  year. 

HOWITT. 


68  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ROSS  OF  JERUSALEM.  Lychnis  Visca- 
ria.  Class  16,  DECANDRIA.  Order:  PEN- j 
TAGYNIA.  This  flower,  has  been  frequently 
named  Cross  of  Jerusalem,  in  most  of  the 
European  languages,  the  French  calling  it 
croix  de  Jerusalem  ;  the  Spanish,  cruces  de 
Jerusalem  ;  the  Italians,  croce  di  Cavalieri  ,- 
the  Germans,  Hierosolymorum  flos ;  the  Portuguese,  cruz  de 
Malta  ;  all  tending  to  dedicate  it  to  religion,  and  as  it  appears  to 
have  been  introduced  by  the  crusaders,  we  present  it  as  the 
emblem  of  religious  enthusiasm. 


DEVOTION. 

The  maid  whd  kept 

In  her  young  heart  the  secret  of  his  love, 
With  all  its  hoarded  store  of  sympathies 
And  images  of  hope,  think  ye  she  gave, 
When  a  few  years  their  fleeting  course  had  run, 
Her  heart  again  to  man  1 

No  !  no  !  She  twined 
Its  riven  tendrils  round  a  surer  prop, 
And  rear'd  its  blighted  blossoms  towards  that  sky 
Which  hath  no  cloud.     She  sought  devotion's  balm, 
And,  with  a  gentle  sadness,  turn'd  her  soul 
From  gaiety  and  song.     Pleasure,  for  her, 
Had  lost  its  essence,  and  the  viol's  voice 
Gave  but  a  sorrowing  sound.     Even  her  loved  plants 
Breathed  too  distinctly  of  the  form  that  bent 
With  hers  to  watch  their  budding.     'Mid  their  flowers, 
And  through  the  twining  of  their  puerile  stems, 
The  semblance  of  a  cold,  dead  hand  would  rise, 
Until  she  bade  them  droop  and  pass  away 
With  him  she  mourn'd. 

SlGOURNEY. 


FLORA'S  LEXICON.  69 


ROWN  IMPERIAL.     Fritillaria  Imperi-  \ 
alis.     Class  6,  HEXANDRIA.    Order :  MONO-  j 
GYNIA.     This  noble  flower  is  said  to  have 
been  brought  into  England  in  the  time  of 
Shakspeare,  who  has  introduced  it  in  his 
Winter's  Tale: 

Bold  oxlip,  and 

The  crown  imperial ;  lilies  of  all  kinds ; 
The  flower  de  lues  being  one. 
On  this  family  of  plants  modern  botanists  have  bestowed  the 
name  of  Fritillaria,  of  which  this,  from  its  commanding  deport- 
ment and  brilliant  colours,  is  considered  the  sovereign. 
The  lily's  height  bespoke  command, 

A  fair  imperial  flower; 
She  seem'd  design'd  for  Flora's  hand, 
The  sceptre  of  her  power. 

We  have  therefore  elevated  this  distinguished  member  of  Flora's 

kingdom  to  be  the  emblem  of  majesty,  and  the  representative  of 

Ij  power  in  our  floral  sentiments. 

MAJESTY. 

There  is  for  Kings  a  fame  that  never  dies, 
A  sunlike  glory  which  itself  supplies, 
The  light  that  emanates  from  grateful  minds, 
Defying  envy, -which  its  lustre  blinds. 
There  is,  for  ever  flowing  and  to  flow, 
For  Him  who  turns  to  joy  his  people's  woe, 
A  otream  of  love  unwearied  in  its  course, 
A  nation's  heart  its  warm  and  salient  source. 
Through  loyal  veins,  devolved  from  sires  to 
From  age  to  age  the  faithful  current  runs, 
And  bears  for  ever  on  in  just  renown 
The  buoyant  name  that  dignified  a  crown. 
One  Patriot  King  has  earn'd  this  msed  of  fame, 
And  Ireland's  voice  will  vindicate  His  claim. 

QUILLINAN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


YCLAMEN.     Cyclamen.     Class  5,  PENTAN- 
DRIA.     Order:  MONOG^NIA.    As  modest  dif- 
fidence adds  attractions  to  beauty,  so  does 
this  graceful  flower  engage  our  notice  by  its 
unassuming  carriage,  for  the  cyclamen,  al- 
though it  expands  its  petals  in  an  upright 
'-     direction,  never  rears  its  head  to  the  sun. 
We  present  this  emblem  with  a  hope  that  the  poets  will  not 
longer  remain  too  diffident  to  let  this  pretty  plant  escape  the  har- 
mony of  their  song,  since  we  cannot  find  a  lins  to  form  a  motto, 
or  grace  the  floral  symbol  of  diffidence. 

"  Distress  makes  the  humble  heart  diffident." 
The  church  has  dedicated  this  flower  to  St.  Romuald. 

DIFFIDENCE. 

The  modest  virtues  mingled  in  her  eyes, 
Still  on  the  ground  dejected,  darting  all 
Their  humid  beams  into  the  blooming  flowers. 

THOMSON. 

As  lamps  burn  silent,  with  unconscious  light, 
£o  modest  ease  in  beauty  shines  most  bright; 
Unairningf  charms  with  edge-  resistless  fall, 
And  she  who  means  no  mischief,  does  it  all. 

HILL. 

I  pity  bashful  men,  who  feel  the  pain 

Of  fancied  scorn  and  undeserved  disdain, 

And  bear  the  marks  upon  a  blushing  face 

Of  needless  shame,  and  self-imposed  disgrace. 

Our  sensibilities  are  so  acute, 

The  fear  of  being  silent  makes  us  mute. 

COWPER. 

He  saw  her  charming,  but  he  saw  net  half 
The  charms  her  downcast  modesty  conceal'd, 

THOMSON. 

___ ._  „ J| 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  71 


YPRESS.    Cupressus  Sempervirens.     Class 
2,  MONCECIA.    Order :  MONADELPHIA.     The 

cypress  is  the  universal  emblem  of  mourn- 
ing, and  is  the  funeral  tree  in  the  eastern 
world,  from  the  Persian  Gulf  to  the  Caspian  i 
Sea ;  it  is  also  dedicated  to  the  dead,  from 
Mazanderan  to  Constantinople,  as  well  as  to 
the  utmost  bounds  of  China's  fruitful  shores. 

Ovid  gives  us  a  traditionary  account  of  the  mournful  origin  of 
the  cypress  tree,  and  we  always  find  it  devoted  to  mournful 
thoughts,  or  sad  solemnities.  Cyparissus,  son  of  Telephus  of 
Cea,  was  beloved  by  Apollo.  Having  killed  the  favourite  stag 
of  his  friend,  he  grieved,  pined,  and,  dying,  was  changed  by 
Apollo  into  a  cypress  tree.  Calmet  describes  it  to  be  a  tall, 
straight  tree,  having  bitter  leaves.  The  shade  and  smell  were 
said  to  be  dangerous;  hence  the  Romans  looked  on  it  as  a  fatal 
tree,  and  made  use  of  it  at  funerals.  It  is  an  evergreen ;  the 
wood  is  heavy,  of  rather  a  fragrant  smell, — is  not  liable  to  be 
attacked  by  insects,  and  does  not  speedily  decay.  Shakspeare 
says  that  cypress  is  the  emblem  of  mourning ;  and  we  are  told 
by  Irving  that,  in  Latium,  on  the  decease  of  any  person,  a  branch 
of  cypress  was  placed  before  the  door. 

MOURNING. 

A  funeral  train 

Will  in  a  cypress  grove  bo  found. 

LANDON. 

The  moon  is  o'er  a  grove  of  cypress  trees 
Weeping  like  mourners. 

LANDON. 

Peace  to  the  dust  that  in  silence  reposes 

Beneath  the  dark  shades  of  cypress  and  yew ; 

Let  spring  deck  the  spot  with  her  earliest  roses, 
And  heaven  wash  their  leaves  with  its  holiest  dew. 

PIER  PONT. 


72  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


AFFODIL.  Narcissus  Major.  Class  6, 
HEXANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This 
is  a  Spanish  plant.  It  is  the  largest  of  the 
genus,  and  has  splendid  flowers.  It  is  ge- 
nerally found  double  in  gardens,  rarely  sin- 
gle. The  Daffodil,  says  the  Flora  Histo 
rica,  was  evidently  considered  a  kind  of  lily 
by  early  writers,  and  we  are  of  opinion  that  the  name  is  a  cor- 
ruption of  Dis's  Lily,  as  it  is  the  flower  supposed  to  be  dropped 
from  the  chariot  of  that  god,  in  his  flight  with  Proserpine. 


CHIVALRY. 

'T  is  much  he  dares ; 
And  to  that  dauntless  temper  of  his  mind, 
He  hath  a  wisdom  that  doth  guide  his  valour 
To  act  in  safety. 

SHAXSPEARE. 

He  is  a  man,  setting  his  fate  aside, 

Of  comely  virtues : 

Nor  did  he  soil  the  fact  with  cowardice 

(An  honour  in  him,  which  buys  out  his  fault); 

But,  with  a  noble  fury,  and  fair  spirit, 

Seeing  his  reputation  touch'd  to  death, 

He  did  oppose  his  foe: 

And  with  such  sober  and  unnoted  passion 

He  did  behave  his  anger,  ere  'twas  spent, 

As  if  he  had  but  proved  an  argument. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

The  dearest  friend,  the  kindest  man, 
The  best  condition'd  and  unwearied  spirit 
In  doing  courtesies. 

SlTAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  73 


AHLIA.  Dahlia.  Class  19,  SYNGENESIA. 
Order:  POLYGAMIA  SUPERFLUA.  Named 
in  honour  of  Andrew  Dahl,  a  Swedish  bota- 
nist. A  mountain  flower  of  South  America, 
recently  become .  very  fashionable  among 
the  florists  of  the  United  States,  who  vie 
with  each  other  in  the  number  and  beauty 
of  the  different  varieties  which  they  cultivate,  and  which  form 
the  chief  ornament  of  all  our  horticultural  exhibitions. 


FOR  E^ER  THINE. 


Yes!  still  1  love  thee:— Time, 

His  signet  on  my  brow ; 
And  dims  my  sunken  eye,  forgets 

The  heart  ho  could  not  bow ; 
Where  love,  that  cannot  perish,  grows 
For  one,  alas !  that  little  knows 

How  love  may  sometimes  last ;  ^ 

Like  sunshine  wasting  in  tho  skies, 

When  clouds  are  overcast. 


The  dew-drop  hanging  o'er  the  rose, 

Within  its  robe  of  light, 
Can  never  touch  a  leaf  that  blows, 

Though  seeming  to  the  sight; 
And  yet  it  still  will  linger  there, 
Like  hopeless  love  without  despair, — 

A  snow-drop  in  the  sun ! 

A  moment  finely  exquisite, 

Alas!  but  only  oneX 

DAWES. 


74 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


AISY.    Bell-is.    Class  19,  SYNGENESIA.    Or- 
der:    POLYGAMIA     SlJPERFLUA.        Fabulous 

history  informs  us  that  the  Daisy  owed  its 
origin  to  Belides,  one  of  the  nymphs  called 
Dryads,  who  were  supposed  to  preside  over 
meadows  and  pastures.  While  dancing  on 
the  turf  with  Ephigeus,  whose  suit  she  en- 
couraged, she  attracted  the  admiration  of  Vertumnus,  the  deity 
who  presided  over  orchards ;  and  to  escape  from  him,  she  was 
transformed  into  the  humble  flower,  the  Latin  name  of  which  is 
Bellis.  The  ancient  English  name  of  this  flower  was  Day's 
Eye,  in  which  way  it  is  written  by  Ben  Jonson ;  and  Chaucer 
calls  it  the  "  ee  of  the  daie."  No  doubt  it  received  this  designa- 
tion from  its  habit  of  closing  its  ^petals  at  night,  which  it  also 
does  in  rainy  weather. 

INNOCENCE. 

When,  smitten  by  the  morning  ray, 
I  see  thee  rise,  alert  and  gay, 
Then,  cheerful  flower  !  my  spirits  play 
With  kindred  gladness: 

And  when,  at  dark,  by  dews  opprest, 
Thou  sink'st,  the  image  of  thy  rest 
Hath  often  eased  rny  pensive  breast 
Of  careful  sadness. 

WORDSWORTH. 

Heav'n  may  awhile  correct  the  virtuous, 
Yet  it  will  wipe  their  eyes  again,  and  make 
Their  faces  whiter  with  their  tears.     Innocence 
Conceal'd  is  the  stol'n  pleasure  of  the  gods, 
Which  never  ends  in  shame,  as  that  of  men 
Doth  oftentimes  do;  but  like  the  sun  breaks  forth, 
,      When  it  hath  gratified  another  world; 
And  to  our  unexpecting  eyes  appears 
More  xrlorious  thro'  its  late  obscurity. 

FOUNTAIN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ANDELION.  Leontodon  Taraxacum.  Class  fl 
19,    SYNGENESIA.       Order:     POLYGAMIA  ! 
^EQUALIS.     Linnaeus  has  given  the  dando-  !j 
lion  a  deserved  place  in  the  horologe  of 
Flora.     It  is  one  of  the  plants  that  m&y  be 
most  certainly  depended  upon  as  to  the 
j    ^  $"tZlf/i\W  *W  \       hour  Of  opening  and  closing  its  flowers. 
i  The  flower,  if  we  well  examine  it,  we  shall  discover  to  be  fully 
as  handsome  as  the  fine  garden  anemone ;  and  it  only  needs  to 
be  as  rare  to  be  prized  as  much.     This  plant  blossoms  early  in 
the  spring,  and  continues  through  the  summer. 

ORACLE. 

Thine  full  many  a  pleasing  bloom 
Of  blossoms  lost  to  all  perfume; 
Thine  the  dandelion  flowers, 
Gilt  with  dew  like  sun  with  showers. 

CLARE. 

Miss  Landon  wrote  some  very  beautiful  lines,  on  seeing  an 
illustration  of  the  garden  scene  in  Goethe's  Faust,  where  Mar- 
garet plucks  a  star-like  flower  to  divine  the  real  sentiments  of  her 

lover.     They  are  called  "  The  Decision  of  the  Flower." 

• 

And  with  scarlet  poppies  around,  like  a  bower, 
The  maiden  found  her  mystic  flower; 
"  Now,  gentle  flower,  I  pray  thee  tell 
If  my  lover  loves  me,  and  loves  me  well ; 
So  may  the  fall  of  the  morning  dew 
Koep  the  sun  from  fading  thy  tender  blue. 

Now  I  number  the  leaves  for  my  lot  — 

He  loves  not  —  he  loves  me  —  he  loves  me  not  — 

He  loves  me,  —  yes,  thou  last  leaf,  yes  — 

I'll  pluck  thee  not  for  that  last  sweet  guess  ! 

He  loves  me!" — "Yes,"  a  dear  voice  sigh'd, 

And  her  lover  stands  by  Margaret's  side. 


76 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OGWOOD.  Cornus  Florida.  Class  4, 
TETRANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The 
Dogwood  is  found  in  all  parts  of  the  United 
States,  south  of  latitude  43  degrees,  and  is 
well  known  from  the  large  white  petaloid 
involucres,  which  render  it  so  conspicuous 
in  the  spring.  It  does  not  usually  exceed 
twenty  feet  in  height,  but  the  wood  is  hard,  compact,  and  excel- 
lently adapted  for  the  handles  of  light  tools  and  similar  purposes. 

LOVE  UNDIMINISHED  BY  ADVERSITY. 

There 's  an  hour  when  the  heart,  like  a  bark  o'er  the  waves, 

Seems  nearing  the  port  so  long  anxiously  sought, 
And  the  tempests  of  passion  lie  hush'd  in  their  caves, 

And  life's  gales  from  the  soul  a  sweet  odour  have  caught ; 
But  the  eye  may  deceive,  and  the  wish  may  betray, 

And  the  port  prove  a  cloud,  or  a  desolate  isle  ; 
And  the  heart  and  the  cheek  which  were  happy  to-day, 

May  to-morrow  have  lost  both  their  hope  and  their  smile. 

Oh  !  the  love  I  would  die  for,  or  live  but  to  prize, 

Is  that  which  througli  seasons  of  sorrow  hath  pass'd ; 
Like  the  radiant  light  of  the  midsummer  skies, 

Shines  on  through  our  lives,  but*grovvs  loveliest  at  last ; 
The  hearts  which  are  form'd  but  in  sunshine  and  flowers, 

Enraptured  to  beat,  or  united  to  cling, 
Know  not  the  bliss  shed  by  Time's  truth-testing  powers, 

O'er  those  whose  affections  have  blunted  griefs  sting. 

THE  KNICKERBOCKER. 

Love  does  reign 

In  stoutest  minds,  and  maketh  monstrous  war: 
He  maketh  war,  he  maketh  peace  again, 
And  yet  his  peace  is  but  continual  jar: 
O  miserable  men  that  to  him  subject  are. 

SPENSER. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


GLANTINE,  or  EUROPEAN  SWEET 
BUI  All.  Itosa  Ruing  inosa.  Class  12,  Ico- 
SAZIDRIA.  Order:  POLYOYNIA.  The  eglan- 
tine, or  wild  briar  rose,  more  common]}7'  call- 
ed sweet  briar,  has  ever  been  considered  the 
poet's  flower.  It  is  not  loved  for  its  fair  de- 
licate  blossoms  only  ;  but  its  fragrant  leaves, 
wl./JK  pcrlbro.3  the  breeze  of  dewy  morn,  and  the  soft  breath  of 
ev^j  s.T>'l£2  i':  to  its  frequent  association  with  the  woodbine  or 


POETRY. 

Its  sides  I'll  plant  with  dew-sweet  eglantine, 
And  honeysuckles  full  of  clear  bee-wine. 

KEATS. 

Yonder  is  a  girl  who  lingers 
Where  wild  honeysuckle  grows, 
Mingled  with  the  briar  rose. 

II.  SMITH. 

A  sweeter  spot  on  earth  was  never  found: 
I  look'd,  and  look'd,  and  still  witli  new  delight; 
Such  joy  my  soul,  such  pleasures  fill'd  my  sight; 
And  the  fresh  eglantine  exhaled  a  breath, 
Whose  odours  were  of  power  to  raise  from  death. 

DRYDEN. 

Boon  nature  scatter'd,  free  and  wild, 
Each  plant  or  flower,  the  mountain's  child, 
Here  eglantine  embalm'd  the  air, 
Hawthorn  and  hazel  mingled  there; 
The  primrose  pale,  and  violet  flower, 
Found  in  each  cliff  a  narrow  bower. 

SCOTT. 


76 


FDORA'S    LEXICON. 


LM.     Ulmus.     Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.     Or- 
der :  DIGYNIA.     The  elm  is  a  very  majes- 
tic tree ;  in  beauty,  dignity,  and  usefulness, ! 
yielding-  only  to  the  oak.     Gilpin  gives  pre-  j 
ference  to  the  ash  in  his  scale  of  excellence, 
because  it  has  more  of  individuality  than 
the  elm,  which  he  esteems  a  great  source 
of  picturesque  beauty.     But  his  objection  applies  to  the  tree  only 
in  its  skeleton  state.    When  in  full  leaf,  the  elm  shows  itself  an 
elm. 

DIGNITY. 

Follow  me,  as  I  sing 

And  touch  the  warbled  string; 
Under  the  shady  roof 
Of  branching  elm,  star-proof, 

Follow  me  ! 

ANON. 

Ye  fallen  avenues !   once  more  I  mourn 
Your  fate  unmerited,  once  more  rejoice 
That  yet  a  remnant  of  your  race  survives. 
How  airy  and  how  light  the  graceful  arch ! 
Yet  awful  as  the  consecrated  roof 
Re-echoing  pious  anthems!  while  beneath 
The  checker'd  earth  seems  restless  as  a  flood 
Brush'd  by  the  wind.     So  sportive  is  the  light 
Shot  through  the  boughs,  it  dances  as  they  dance, 
Shadow  and  sunshine  intermingling  quick, 
And  dark'ning  and  enlight'ning,  as  the  leaves 
Play  wanton,  ev'ry  moment,  ev'ry  spot. 

COWPER. 

There,  fast  rooted  in  their  bank, 

Stand,  never  overlook'd,  our  favourite  elrns. 

COWPER. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


79 


NCHANTER'S  NIGHTSHADE.  Cir- 
ccea.  Class  2,  DIANDRJA.  Order:  MONO- 
GYNIA.  The  species  Lutetiana  is  found  in 
North  America  and  Europe.  As  the  name 
of  this  plant  indicates,  it  is  celebrated  in 
magical  incantations.  Its  flowers  are  rose- 
coloured,  and  veined  with  purple.  It  com- 
monly grows  in  damp  and  shady  places,  where  shrubs  fit  for  the 
purpose  to  which  this  has  been  applied  may  be  supposed  to  be 
found.  It  is  named  Circsea  after  the  enchantress  Circe. 


FASCINATION. 
The  night-shade  strews  to  work  him  ill. 


DRAYTON. 


O,  who  can  tell 


The  hidden  power  of  herbes,  and  might  of  magic  spell ! 

SPENSSR. 

'T  is  now  the  very  witching  time  of  night. 

I'll  witch,  sweet  ladies,  with  my  words  and  looks. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

For  Circe  had  long  loved  the  youth  in  vain, 
Till  love  refused,  converted  to  disdain: 
Then  mixing  pow'rful  herbs,  with  magic  art, 
She  changed  his  form,  who  could  not  change  his  heart 

DRYDEN. 

For  he"  by  words  could  call  out  of  the  sky 
Both  sun  and  moon,  and  make  them  him  obey : 
The  land  to  sea,  and  sea  to  main-land  dry, 
And  darksome  night  he  eke  could  turn  to  day ; 
Huge  hosts  of  men  he  could  alone  dismay, 
And  hosts  of  men  of  meanest  things  could  frame, 
Whenso  him  list  his  enemies  to  fray, 
That  to  this  day  for  terror  of  his  fame 
The  fiends  do  quake,  when  any  him  to  them  does  name, 

SPENSER. 


FLORA  S    LEXICOK, 

VEN1NG  PRIMROB11  (Enoth-ra.  Class 
8,  GOTAKDIM..;.  Gr4«r  :  MONOQYKIA.  I1,  is 
uncertain  v/hcn  this  beautiful  flower  was 
first  introduced  into  England,  though  we 
know  that  it  was  brought  from  Virginia  to 
Padua,  in  the  year  1619.  It  is  a  geneia! 
favourite  with  our  poets,  who  giro  it  a  vf-ry 
different  character  to  that  we  have  assigned  to  it  in  3onL  'an 
guage.  We  presume  that  it  has  been  mad^  tho  crabio^i  cf  rn-  1 
constancy  on  account  of  the  transient  duration  of  it?  *v?v>>::«,  It 
opens  between  six  and  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

INCONSTANCY 

When  once  the  sun  sinks  in  the  west, 

And  dew-drops  pearl  the  Evenii-^a  L-^sast; 

Almost  as  pale  as  moon-beams  are, 

Or  its  companionable  star, 

The  evening  primrose  opes  anew 

Its  delicate  blossoms  to  the  dew  ; 

And,  hermit-like,  shunning  the  light, 

Wastes  its  fair  bloom  upon  the  Night, 

Who,  blindfold  to  its  fond  caresses, 

Knows  not  the  beauty  he  possesses. 

Thus  it  blooms  on  v/hile  Night  it.  by  ;  « 

When  Day  looks  out  with  open  eye, 

'Bach'd  at  the  gaze  it  cannot  shun, 

It  faints,  and  withers,  and  is  gone. 


CLARE. 


How  long  must  women  wish  in  vain 

A  constant  love  to  find  ? 
No  art  can  fickle  man  retain, 

Or  fix  a  roving  mind. 
Yet  fondly  we  ourselves  deceive, 

And  empty  hopes  pursue  ; 
Though  false  to  others,  we  believe 

They  will  to  us  prove  true. 


SHADWELL. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  81 


VERGREEN  THORN.  Mespilus  Pyra- 
cantha.  Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Order: 
DIGYNIA.  This  well-known  shrub  is  a  na- 
tive of  the  south  of  Europe :  it  also  grows  j 
plentifully  on  Mount  Caucasus,  in  the  Cher- 
sonesus,  and  in  China.  It  was  introduced 
into  England  early  in  the  seventeenth  cen- 
tury, but  has  never  yet  got  beyond  the  pale  of  the  garden  or 
shrubbery,  notwithstanding  Evelyn's  hint  that  it  might  be  culti- 
vated, with  little  trouble,  for  fences  and  other  common  purposes. 

SOLACE  IN  ADVERSITY. 

Thou  wast  not  born  when  merry  May 
"  Hangs  out  the  virgin  flag  of  spring," 
When  birds  from  every  bush  and  spray 
Are  carolling. 

Thou  wast  not  born  when  summer  throws 
Her  glory  over  sky  and  earth, 
Nor  did  the  beam  which  wakes  the  rose 
Smile  on  thy  birth. 

No;  like  this  shrub  which  cheers  the  bower, 
What  time  the  threatening  storm  is  rife, 
A  blessing  for  the  wintry  hour 

Thou  sprang  to  life. 

And  such  art  still — no  summer  friend, 
Breathing  smooth  things  in  Pleasure's  ear; 
But,  oh !  let  grief  the  spirit  rend, 

And  thou  art  near. 

What  could  I  less  than  love  the  hour 
Which  stills  the  bird,  and  strips  the  lea, 
Since,  oh !  to  cheer  the  social  bower, 
It  gave  us  thee. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ENNEL.  Anethum.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA. 
Order :  DIGYNIA.  The  gladiators  mingled 
this  plant  with  their  food,  from  a  supposi- 
tion that  it  tended  to  increase  their  strength. 
After  the  games  were  over,  the  conqueror 
was  crowned  with  a  wreath  of  fennel.  The 
Romans  named  the  plant  anethum. 

STRENGTH. 


One  fire  drives  out  another;  one  nail,  one  nail; 
Rights  by  rights  founder,  strengths  by  strengths  do  fail. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Hercules  himself  must  yield  to  odds; 

And  many  strokes,  though  with  a  battle-axe, 

Hew  down  and  fell  the  hardest  timber'd  oak. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Blood  hath  bought  blood,  and  blows  have  answer'd  blows; 
Strength  match'd  with  strength,  and  power  confronted  power.   j| 

SHAKSPEARE. 

$    ,  1 

All  the  soul 

Of  man  is  resolution ;  which  expires 
Never  from  valiant  men,  till  their  last  breath  ; 
And  then  with  it,  like  a  flame  extinguish'd 
For  want  of  matter ;  it  does  not  die,  but 
Rather  ceases  to  live. 

CHAPMAN. 

If  your  resolutions  be  like  mine, 

We  will  yet  give  our  sorrows  a  brave  end. 

Justice  is  for  us,  so  may  fortune  be: 

I'm  a  bright  proof  of  her  inconstancy. 

But  if  no  god  will  lend  us  any  aid, 

Let  us  be  gods,  and  fortune  to  ourselves. 

CROWN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


83 


ERN.  Filicia.  Class  24,  CRYPTOGAMIA. 
Order :  FIRST  OF  THIS  CLASS.  Fern  often 
affords  an  agreeable  seat  to  lovers;  its 
ashes  are  used  in  the  manufacture  of  glasses 
for  the  convivial  party ;  and  all  the  world 
knows  that  love  and  wine  make  men  sin- 
cere. 


SINCERITY. 

The  green  and  graceful  Fern, 

How  beautiful  it  is ! 
There's  not  a  leaf  in  all  the  land 

So  wonderful,  I  wis. 

Have  ye  ever  watch'd  it  budding, 

With  each  stem  and  leaf  wrapp'd  small, 

Coiled  up  within  each  other 
Like  a  round  and  hairy  ball  7 

Have  ye  watch'd  that  ball  unfolding 

Each  closely  nestling  curl, 
And  its  fair  and  feathery  leaflets 

Their  spreading  forms  unfurl  1 

Oh  !   then  most  gracefully  they  wave 

In  the  forest,  like  a  sea, 
And  dear  as  they  are  beautiful 

Are  these  Fern  leaves  to  me. 

For  all  of  early  childhood — 

Those  past  and  blessed  years 
To  which  we  ever  wistfully 

Look  back  through  memory's  tears — 

The  sports  and  fancies  then  my  own, 
Those  Fern  leaves  dear  and  wild 

Bring  back  to  my  delighted  breast — 
I  am  once  more  a  child. 

TWAMLEY. 


84  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


LAX.  Linum.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  Or- 
der :  PENTAGYNIA.  Truly  we  ought  to  be 
grateful  to  this  useful  plant !  It  yields  us 
the  linen  we  wear,  the  paper  we  write  up- 
on, and  the  lace  which  adorns  our  fair 
countrywomen.  Nowhere  can  we  cast  our 
eyes  but  we  see  evidence  of  its  utility.  It 
has  been  cultivated  from  time  immemorial  for  the  lint  and  tow 
it  affords,  and  it  was  formerly  the  chief  occupation  of  cottagers' 
wives  to  spin  this  into  yarn  and  linen  cloth. 

I  FEEL  YOUR  KINDNESS. 

Ah!  'tis  a  goodly  little  thing, 

It  groweth  for  the  poor, 
And  many  a  peasant  blesses  it, 

Beside  his  cottage  door. 
He  thinketh  how  those  slender  stems 

That  shimmer  in  the  sun, 
Are  rich  for  him  in  web  and  woof, 

And  shortly  shall  be  spun. 
He  thinketh  how  those  tender  flowers 

Of  seed  will  yield  him  store ; 
And  sees  in  thought  his  next  year's  crop, 

Blue,  shining  round  his  door. 

Oh !  the  goodly  Flax-flower  ! 

It  groweth  on  the  hill;  '. 

And  be  the  breeze  awake  or  sleep, 

It  never  standeth  still ! 
It  seemeth  all  astir  with  life, 

As  if  it  loved  to  thrive, 
As  if  it  had  a  merry  heart 

Within  its  stem  alive! 
Then  fair  befal  the  Flax-field ; 

And  may  the  kindly  showers 
Give  strength  unto  its  shining  stems, 

Give  seed  unto  its  flowers. 

MARY  HOWITT. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


85 


OXGLOVE.  Digitalis.  Class  14,  DIDY- 
NAMIA.  Order:  ANGIOSPERMIA.  Where 
is  the  Garden-guest  that  may  outshine  the 
stately,  tall,  magnificent  Foxglove  1  This 
is  as  remarkable  for  its  majestic,  lofty  de- 
meanour, as  the  light,  lithe  Harebell  for  its 
modest  playfulness.  The  tall  spiral  stem, 
springing  up  from  the  group  of  broad  leaves,  and  thickly  hung 
with  the  beautiful  purple  blossoms,  gradually  lessening  in  size 
from  the  large  open  bells  on  the  lower  portion  of  the  stalk,  to 
the  little  bud  on  the  summit,  still  wrapped  up  in  their  close  green 
calices,  is  an  object  so  strikingly  beautiful,  that  I  should  think 
any  person  who  had  once  given  it  an  attentive  observance  must 
inevitably  be  a  lover  of  flowers  to  the  end  of  his  days. 

STATELINESS. 

The  Foxgloves  and  the  Fern, 

How  gracefully  they  grow 
With  grand  old  oaks  above  them 

And  wavy  grass  below ! 
The  stately  trees  stand  round 

Like  columns  fair  and  high, 
And  the  spreading  branches  bear 

A  glorious  canopy 
Of  leaves,  that  rustling  wave 

In  the  whispering  summer  air, 
And  gaily  greet  the  sunbeams 

That  are  falling  brightly  there. 
The  miser-leaves!  —  they  suffer 

Not  a  gleam  to  twinkle  through, 
And  in  the  Foxglove's  hairy  cup, 

At  noonday,  drops  of  dew 
Are  hanging  round  like  tears 

Of  sorrow,  that  the  sun 
Gives  to  other  flowers  his  kisses, 

But  to  her  soft  lips  not  one. 

TWAMLEY. 


66  FLORA'S  LEXICON. 


UCHSIA,  GLOBEFLOWERED.  Fuch- 
sia Globosa.  Class  8,  OCTANDRIA.  Or- 
der :  MONOG-VNIA.  This  is  a  plant  of  great 
beauty,  perhaps,  says  Paxton,  exceeding 
any  other  species  or  variety  of  the  Fuchsia 
known.  It  is  dwarf  and  somewhat  spread- 
ing, and  the  slender  branches  are  some- 
what sparingly  covered  with  leaves,  which  are  not  of  a  large 
size. 

CONFIDING  LOVE. 

Bless  the  hour  Endearment  gives ! 

Who  on  earth's  cold  climate  lives, 

But  has  felt  his  heart  rejoice, 

When  woman's  smile,  and  woman's  voice, 

Hath  sent,  with  magical  control, 

All  sweetness  to  the  soften'd  souH 

Oh!  Happiness,  where  art  thou  found 

(If  indeed  on  mortal  ground) 

But  with  faithful  hearts  alone, 

That  Love  and  Friendship  have  made  one  — 

In  tenderness  and  faith  sincere, 

In  affection's  sweetest  tear. 

It  was  a  livelong  holiday; 

And  in  that  boat,  far  from  the  faithless  crowd, 
They  who  true  love  and  mutual  trust  avow'd, 
Pursued  in  peace  their  solitary  way. 
And  it  was  bliss,  to  see  the  manly  youth, 
Whose  look  bespoke  sincerity  and  truth, 
Gaze  upon  her  he  loved,  as  he  could  bless 
Th'  Almighty  Being,  in  the  living  light 
Of  whose  warm  sun  he  felt  such  happiness, 
Whilst  tears  of  transport  almost  dimrn'd  his  sight. 

BOWLES. 
|| 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


87 


ERANIUM.  Pelargonium.  Class  16,  Mo- 
NADELPIIIA.  Order  :  HEPTANDRIA.  Among1 
the  gayest  of  the  floral  court  are  the  richly 
clad  Geraniums.  Fashion  and  culture  have 
contributed  so  much  to  the  aggrandizement 
of  the  beautiful  tribe  of  Pelargoniums,  or, 
as  they  are  generally,  but  erroneously  call- 
ed Geraniums,  that  they  now  count  a  greater  number  of  royal 
and  illustrious  titles  in  their  family  than  any  other  species  of 
flower  can  boast. 


GENTILITY 

I  said  the  Lily  was  the  queenly  flower, 

And  these  bright  creatures,  sure,  her  courtiers  be ! 

For  they  are  robed  all  so  royally, 
E'en  like  the  glittering  guests  of  regal  bower; 
And,  like  them  too,  their  chiefest  rank  and  power 

Lie  in  their  sounding  titles,  and  we  see 

That  both  do  value  the  embroiderie 
Of  their  gay-tinted  garb.     In  their  first  hour 
Of  modish  fame,  see  how  to  both  down  bend, 

In  fashion's  homage,  all  the  wondering  crowd 
Of  sycophant  adorers  !  Should  chance  send 

A  newer  star,  how  soon  into  a  cloud 
Shrink  the  late  idols !  whom  no  more  ye  find ; 
Nor  have  they  either  left  ye  any  sweet  behind. 

TVVAMLKY. 

Athenia  is  a  noble  gentlewoman, 
Stamp'd  in  the  finest  mould  of  excellence. 
Rome  in  her  palmiest  state,  when  woman  nursed 
Her  grandeur,  by  the  care  of  her  young  heroc.>, 
Had  scarce  her  equal. 

DA  WES. 


IUU 


88  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


ILLYFLOWER.  Cheiranthus  Incanus. 
Class  15,  TETRADYNAMIA.  Order:  SILI- 
QUOSA.  The  gillyflower, — less  graceful 
than  the  rose, — less  superb  than  the  lily, — 
has  a  splendour  more  durable.  Constant 
in  its  benefits,  it  offers  to  us,  all  the  year, 
its  beautiful  red  and  pyramidal  flowers, 
which  always  diffuse  an  agreeable  odour.  The  finest  gillyflowers 
are  red  ;  they  derive  their  name  from  their  colour,  which  rivals 
in  brilliancy  the  far-famed  purple  of  Tyre.  White,  violet,  and 
variegated  gillyflowers  have  also  their  charms.  This  beautiful 
flower  may  be  said  to  grow  in  our  parterres,  like  a  blooming  and 
lively  beauty,  who  scatters  health  around  her ;  health,  that  chief 
of  blessings,  without  which  there  can  be  neither  happiness  nor 
lasting  beauty. 

LASTING  BEAUTY. 

'Tis  not  alone  in  the  flush  of  morn, 
In  the  cowslip-bell  or  the  blossom  thorn, 
In  noon's  high  hour,  or  twilight's  hush, 
In  the  shadowy  stream,  or  the  rose's  blush, 
Or  in  aught  that  bountiful  Nature  gives, 
That  the  delicate  Spirit  of  Beauty  lives. 

Oh  no!  it  lives  and  breathes,  and  lies, 
In  a  home  more  pure  than  the  morning  skies  ; 
In  the  innocent  heart  it  loves  to  dwell, 
When  it  comes  with  a  sigh  or  a  tear  to  tell 
Sweet  visions  that  flow  from  a  fount  of  love, 
To  mingle  with  all  that  is  pure  above. 

Sweet  Spirit  of  Beauty !  my  dreams  are  thine, 
But  I  lose  thee  not  when  thy  day-beams  shine ; 
Thy  image  is  still  to  my  constant  gaze, 
At  midnight  hour  or  noontide  blaze; 
And  none  but  one  with  a  heart  unsold, 
Can  know  the  bliss  which  thy  lovers  hold. 

DAWES. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON 


LORY  FLOWER,  CRIMSON.    Clianthus 
<*     Puniceus.  Class  17,  DIADELPHIA.    Order  : 
DECANDRIA.    This  new  and  beautiful  shrub  jj 
is  a  native  of  New  Zealand,  whence  seeds  |j 
of  it  were  sent  to  England  by  the  Missiona- 
ries  in   that   part.     The  native  name  is 
Kowaingutu   Kaha,   or   Parrot-bill,    most 
probably  called  so  from  the  resemblance  to  the  bill  of  a  bird. 

GLORIOUS  BEAUTY. 

The  Spirit  of  Beauty  unfurls  her  light, 
And  wheels  her  course  in  a  joyous  flight; 
I  know  her  track*  through  the  balmy  air, 
By  the  blossoms  that  cluster  and  whiten  there; 
She  leaves  the  tops  of  the  mountains  green, 
And  gems  the  valley  with  crystal  sheen. 

At  morn,  I  know  where  she  rested  at  night, 
For  the  roses  are  gushing  with  dewy  delight; 
Then  she  mounts  again,  and  round  her  flings 
A  shower  of  light  from  her  crimson  wings; 
Till  the  spirit  is  drunk  with  the  music  on  high, 
That  silently  fills  it  with  ecstasy. 

At  noon  she  hies  to  a  cool  retreat; 

Where  bowering  elms  over  waters  meet, 

She  dimples  the  wave  where  the  green  leaves  dip, 

As  it  smilingly  curls  like  a  maiden's  lip, 

When  her  tremulous  bosom  would  hide,  in  vain, 

From  her  lover,  the  hope  that  she  loves  again. 

She  hovers  around  us  at  twilight  hour, 
When  her  presence  is  felt  with  the  deepest  power, 
She  silvers  the  landscape,  and  crowds  the  stream 
With  shadows  that  flit  like  a  fairy  dream; 
Then  wheeling  her  flight  through  the  gladden'd  air, 
The  Spirit  of  Beauty  is  everywhere. 

DAWES. 


90 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ORSE.  Vlex  Europaus.  Class  17,  DIA- 
DELPHIA.  Order :  DECANDR.IA.  The  bota- 
nical name  Vlex  is  obscuro ;  we  call  it  in- 
discriminately Furze,  Gorse  or  Whin.  The 
common  wild  Gorse  of  England,  in  St.  Pe- 
tersburg" is  cherished  in  the  choicest  green- 
houses, and  esteemed  one  of  their  most 
precious  ornaments,  as  it  flowers  in  winter.  In  England  the 
commons  are  covered  in  the  richest  profusion  with  its  gay,  beau- 
tiful, and  fragrant  flowers. 

CHEERFULNESS  IN  ADVERSITY. 

Fair  maidens,  I'll  sing  you  a  song; 

I'll  tell  you  the  bonny  wild  flower, 
Whose  blossoms  so  yellow,  and  branches  so  long, 
O'er  moor  and  o'er  rough  rocky  mountain  are  flung, 

Far  away  from  trim  garden  and  bower. 

It  clings  to  the  crag,  and  it  clothes  the  wild  hill; 

It  stands  sturdily  breasting  the  storm, 
When  the  loud-voiced  winds  sing  so  drearily  shrill, 
And  the  snow-flakes  in  eddies  fall  silent  and  still, 

And  the  shepherd  can  scarce  wrap  him  warm. 

'T  is  the  bonny  bright  Gorse,  that  gleams  cheerily  forth, 

Like  sunlight  e'er  lingering  here, 
In  the  verdure  of  Spring,  and  when  Summer  on  earth 
Has  call'd  all  the  fairest  of  blossoms  to  birth, 

As  a  crown  for  the  noon  of  the  year. 

TWAMLEY. 

And  her  against  sweet  cheerfulness  was  placed, 
Whose  eyes,  like  twinkling  stars  in  evening  clear, 
Were  deck'd  with  smiles,  that  all  sad  humours  chased, 
And  darted  forth  delights,  the  which  her  goodly  graced. 

SPENSER. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  91  ' 


RASS.  Gramen.  Class  3,  TRIANDRIA.  Or- 
der: DIGYNIA.  It  will  be  admitted  that 
what  is  the  most  useful,  is  in  nature  the 
most  common;  and  of  all  vegetable  pro- 
ductions, what  is  there  more  common  than 
grass  7  It  clothes  the  earth  with  a  ver 
dant  carpet,  and  it  yields  food, — nay,  it 
1  grows  for  the  cattle,"  in  obedience  to  the  Creator's  word. 

UTILITY. 

'Tis  pleasant,  on  the  steep  hill-side, 
Where  lies  in  view  the  prospect  wide 
Of  cultured  farm,  with  interchange 
Of  tilth  and  pasture,  cot  and  grange, 
At  ease  the  careless  limbs  to  stretch 
Beneath  the  broad  o'er-arching  beech, 
And,  lighted  by  the  sky  serene, 
Mark  the  full  hay-field's  varied  scene. 
Here,  as  the  swarthy  mowers  pass 
Slow  through  the  tall  and  russet  grass, 
In  marshalling  rank  from  side  to  side, 
With  circling  stroke  and  measured  stride, 
Before  the  scythe's  wide-sweeping  sway 
The  russet  meadow's  tall  array 
Falls,  and  the  bristly  surface  strows 
With  the  brown  swathe's  successive  rows. 

And  then  the  toiling  horses  strain, 

Slowly  to  move  the  ponderous  wain. 

From  pile  to  pile  the  slow  wain  goes, 

And  still  at  each  more  lofty  grows; 

While  the  stout  swains  below  supply 

Fresh  fardels  to  the  swains  on  high, 

Heaps  upon  heaps  the  grassy  load : 

Thence,  lumbering  o'er  the  homeward  load, 

It  swells,  adorn'd  with  trophied  bough, 

The  rich  compact,  or  treasured  mow.  MANT. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

__  j  | 

AREBELL.  Hyacinthus  non-scriptus.  Clasp  i  i 
6,  HEXANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  Thisjl 
beautiful  little  flower  is  a  native  of  Persia;  jj 
but  is  found  in  most  parts  of  'Europe.  Our  I! 
woods  in  the  Spring  present  a  lively  appear-  ji 
ance,  from  the  mixture  of  their  azure  blueij 
bells  among  the  pale  yellow  primroses,  and  ;j 
the  many  different-tinted  heaths,  so  tastefully  intermingled  byj, 
the  hand  of  Nature.  It  is  called  Harebell  from  its  generally! 
growing  in  those  places  frequented  by  hares:  the  flower  varies  ;i 
in  colour  and  beauty;  some  being  completely  white,  and  others || 
much  resembling  the  poorer  kinds  of  hyacinths;  but  they  have  I  j 
longer  and  narrower  flowers,  not  swelling  at  the  bottom  ;  the  i 
bunch  of  flowers  is  likewise  longer  and  bends  downwards.  The 
fresh  roots  of  this  plant  are  said  to  be  poisonous ;  the  juice  is 
mucilaginous,  and  in  the  time  of  Queen  Elizabeth  was  used  as 
starch. 


SUBMISSION. 

Sweet  flower!  though  many  a  ruthless  storm 

Sweep  fiercely  o'er  thy  slender  form, 

And  many  a  sturdier  plant  may  bow 

In  death  beneath  the  tempest's  blow, 

Submissive  thou,  in  pensive  guise, 

Uninjured  by  each  gale  shalt  rise, 

And,  deck'd  with  innocence,  remain 

The  fairest  tenant  of  the  plain : 

So,  conscious  of  its  lowly  state, 

Trembles  the  heart  assail'd  by  fate; 

Yet,  when  the  fleeting  blast  is  o'er, 

Settles  as  tranquil  as  before ; 

While  the  proud  breast  no  peace  shall  find, 

No  refuge  for  a  troubled  mind. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  93 


AWTHORN.  Cratagus.  Class  12,  Ico- 
SANDRIA.  Order:  DIGYNIA.  The  hawthorn 
has  been  made  the  emblem  of  hope  because 
the  young  and  beautiful  Athenian  maids 
brought  its  branches,  covered  with  flowers, 
to  decorate  their  companions  on  their  nup- 
tial day,  whilst  they  bare  larger  boughs  of 
it  to  the  altar.  The  altar  of  Hymen  was  lighted  by  torches 
made  from  the  wood  of  this  tree ;  and  it  also  formed  the  flam- 
beaux which  illuminated  the  nuptial  chamber.  We  are  told  that 
the  Troglodytes,  in  the  simplicity  of  their  minds,  tied  hawthorn 
branches  to  the  dead  bodies  of  their  parents  and  friends ;  and  at 
the  interment  of  the  corpse  they  strewed  its  branches  upon  the 
body,  and  afterwards  covered  it  with  stones,  laughing  through 
the  whole  of  the  ceremony.  They  considered  death  as  the  dawn- 
ing of  a  life  which  should  never  cease. 

HOPE. 

Now  hawthorns  blossom,  now  the  daisies  spring. 

POPE. 

See  now,  to  grace  the  coppice  wild, 
May-born,  our  Britain's  native  child, 
The  Medlar's  broad  and  single  eye ; 
And,  prized  for  village  pharmacy, 
The  Elder's  crowded  cups  minute; 
Service,  with  tupe  of  Autumn  fruit; 
And  Maple's  spikes  of  florets  green ; 
And  Hawthorn,  famed  'mid  vernal  scene 
For  gracing  May's  propitious  hour 
With  prodigality  of  flower, 
Pink-anther'd  'mid  its  petals  pale, 
And  lending  fragrance  to  the  gale; 
Hail'd  from  its  fair  and  sweet  array 
The  namesake  of  the  lovely  May. 

TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


AZEL.  Corylus  Avellana.  Class  21,  Mo- 
NCECIA.  Order :  POLYANDRIA.  Tliere  was 
a  time  when  men  were  not  united  by  any 
common  tie.  When  the  mother  would  de- 
prive her  son  of  the  wild  fruit  with  which 
he  wished  to  appease  his  hunger,  and  if  mis- 
fortune united  them  for  a  moment,  the  sud- 
den sight  of  an  oak  laden  with  acorns,  or  a  beech  covered  with 
beech-mast,  rendered  them  enemies. 

According  to  ancient  mythology  the  gods  had  pity  on  the  hu- 
man race.     Apollo  and  Mercury  exchanged  presents,  and  came 
down  upon  the  earth.     The  god  of  harmony  received  from  the 
son  of  Ma'ia  a  tortoise  shell,  of  which  he  had  made  a  lyre,  and 
gave  in  return  a  branch  of  hazel,  which  had  the  power  of  making 
i  virtue  beloved,  and  of  re-uniting  hearts  divided  by  hatred  and 
I  envy.     Thus  armed,  the  two  sons  of  Jupiter  presented  themselves 
!  to  men.     Apollo  first  sang  that  eternal  wisdom  which  had  cre- 
I  ated  the  universe  ;  filial  piety  and   patriotic  love  were  brought 
I  into  action,  by  his  eloquence,  to  unite  the  human  race ;  and  com- 
|j  merce  he  made  the  bond  of  the  world.     His  last  thought  was  the 
I !  most  sublime,  for  it  was  consecrated  to  the  gods;  and  he  told 
mankind  that  they  might  become  equal  with  the  gods  by  deeds 
of  love  and  beneficence. 

Ornamented  with  two  light  wings,  and  serpents  entwining  them- 
selves around  it,  the  hazel  wand,  presented  to  the  god  of  eloquence 
by  the  god  of  harmony,  is  still,  under  the  name  of  Mercury's 
wand,  the  symbol  of  peace,  commerce,  and  reconciliation. 

RECONCILIATION. 

And  see, 

As  yet  unclothed,  the  Hazel-tree 
Prepares  his  early  tufts  to  lend 
The  coppice  first  fruits;  and  depend 
In  russet  drops,  whose  cluster'd  rows, 
Still  closed  in  part,  in  part  disclose, 
Yet  fenced  beneath  their  scaly  shed, 
The  pendent  anther's  yellow  head.         MANT. 


• — .    1 

FLORA'S    LEXICON.  95 


EART'S  EASE.  Viola  Tricolor.  Class  5, 
PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The 
tints  of  this  flower  are  scarce  less  varied 
than  the  names  that  have  been  bestowed 
upon  it.  That  of  pansy  is  a  corruption  of 
the  French  name,  pensee,  thought. 

Leigh  Hunt  introduces  the  heart's-ease 
into  his  verses : 

The  garden's  gem, 
Heart's-ease,  like  a  gallant  bold, 
In  his  cloth  of  purple  and  gold. 

Phillips  observes  that  the  most  brilliant  purples  of  the  artist 
appear  dull  when  compared  to  that  of  the  pansy ;  our  richest 
sutins  and  velvets  coarse  and  unsightly  by  a  comparison  of  tex- 
ture; and  as  to  delicacy  of  shading,  it  is  scarcely  surpassed  by 
the  bow  of  Iris  itself. 

THINK  OF  ME. 

Frolic k  virgins  once  these  were, 
Overloving,  living  here  ; 
Being  here  their  ends  denied, 
Ran  for  sweethearts  mad,  and  died. 

Love,  in  pitie  of  their  teares, 
And  their  losse  in  blooming  yeares, 
For  their  restlesse  here-spent  houres, 
Gave  them  heart's-ease  turn'd  to  flowres. 

HERRICK. 

And  there  are  pansies,  that 's  for  thoughts. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

And  thou,  so  rich  in  gentle  names,  appealing 
To  hearts  that  own  our  nature's  common  lot; 

Those,  styled  by  sportive  fancy's  better  feeling 

'  A  Thought,'  » The  Heart's  Ease,'  or  « Forget  me  not' 

BARTON. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


EATH.    Erica.    Class  8,  OCTANDRIA.     Or- 
der :  MONOGYNIA.     The  foliage  of  this  plant 
is  ever-green,  of  varied  and  beautiful  shapes 
and  on  examination  is  found  as  pleasing  as 
its  singular  blossom.     In  our   floral  hiero- 
glyphics it  is  made  emblematical  of  soli- 
tude ;  and  thus,  when  the  rustic  lover  offers 
j :  his  mistress  a  bouquet  of  heath  and  pansies,  she  understands  that 
if  his  solitude  were  charmed  by  her  society  his  heart  would  be 
at  ease. 

SOLITUDE. 

The  Erica  here 

That  o'er  the  Caledonian  hills  sublime 
Spreads  its  dark  mantle  (where  the  bees  delight 
To  seek  their  purest  honey),  flourishes; 
Sometimes  with  bells  like  amethysts,  and  then, 
Paler,  and  shaded  like  the  maiden's  cheek 
With  gradual  blushes — other  while,  as  white 
As  rime  that  hangs  upon  the  frozen  spray. 
Of  this,  old  Scotia's  hardy  mountaineers 
Their  rustic  couches  form;  and  there  enjoy 
Sleep,  which,  beneath  his  velvet  canopy, 
Luxurious  idleness  implores  in  vain. 

TWAMLEY. 

Oh!  to  lie  down  in  wilds  apart, 

Where  man  is  seldom  seen  or  heard, 
In  still  and  ancient  forests,  where 
Mows  not  his  scythe,  ploughs  not  his  share, 

With  the  shy  deer  and  cooing  bird ! 

To  go,  in  dreariness  of  mood, 

O'er  a  lone  heath,  that  spreads  around 

A  solitude  like  a  silent  sea, 

Where  rises  not  a  hut  or  tree, 
The  wide-embracing  sky  its  bound  ! 

IIOWITT 


FLORA'S  LEXICON. 


97 


ELIOTROPE.  Heliotropium.  Class  5, 
PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  There 
are  more  than  thirty  species  of  this  delicate 

.and  sweet-scented  flower.  The  most  va- 
lued by  American  florists  are  Peruvianum, 
Corymbosum,  and  Grandiflorum.  The  for- 
mer is  a  universal  favourite. 


INTOXICATED  WITH  PLEASURE. 

Methinks  I've  cast  full  twenty  years  aside, 
And  am  again  a   boy.     Every  breath 
Of  air  that  trembles  through  the  window  bears 
flnusnal  odour. 

PROCTOR. 

What's  i'  the  air?  — 
Seme  subtle  spirit  runs  thro'  all  my  veins. 
Hope  seems  to  ride  this  morning  on  the  wind, 
And  joy  outshines  the  sun. 

PROCTOR. 


O  sages!  think  on  joy  like  this, 
A.nd  where 's  your  boast  of  apathy. 


MOORE. 


Each  sound  too  here  to  languishment  inclined, 
Luli'd  the  weak  bosom,  and  induced  ease, 
Aerial  music  in  the  warbling  wind, 
'xt  distance  rising  oft,  by  small  degrees, 
'  earer  and  nearer  came,  till  o'er  the  trees 
It  hung,  and  breathed  such  soul-dissolving  airs, 
As  did,  alas!  with  soft  perdition  please: 
Entangled  deep  in  its  enchanting  snares, 

list'ning  heart  forgot  all  duties  and  all  cares. 

THOMSON. 


98  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ICKORY.  Carya  alba.  Class  21,  MONCE- 
CIA.  Order:  POLYANDRIA.  The  Hickory 
is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  United  States, 
and  also  produces  nuts  of  excellent  quality, 
which  are  everywhere  well  known.  The 
wood  of  the  Hickories,  of  which  we  have 
eight  species,  possesses  great  weight, 

strength  and  tenacity,  but  decays  speedily  when  exposed  to  heaf. 

and  moisture,  and  consequently  is  unfit  for  architectural  purposes. 


GLORY. 

How  sleep  the  brave,  who  sink  to  res' 
By  all  their  country's  wishes  bless'd  : 
When  Spring,  with  dewy  fingers  cold, 
Returns  to  deck  their  hallow'd  mould, 
She  there  shall  dress  a  sweeter  sod 
Than  Fancy's  feet  have  ever  trod. 

By  fairy  hands  their  knell  is  rung; 
By  forms  unseen  their  dirge  is  sung; 
There  Honour  comes,  a  pilgrim  grey, 
To  bless  the  turf  that  wraps  their  clay ; 
And  Freedom  shall  awhile  repair, 
To  dwell  a  weeping  hermit  there. 

COLL.NS. 

Glory  is  like  a  circle  in  the  water, 

Which  never  ceaseth  to  enlarge  itself, 

Till  by  broad  spreading,  it  disperse  to  nought. 

SHAKSFSARjfl. 

Real  glory 

Springs  from  the  silent  conquest  of  ourselves , 
And  without  that  the  conqueror  is  nought 
But  the  first  slave. 

THOMSON. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON.  99 

OLLY.  Ilex.  Class  4,  TETRANDRIA.  Or- 
der: TETRAGYNIA.  The  providence  of  an 
all-wise  Creator  is  shown  in  an  admirable 
manner  in  this  beautiful  plant.  The  great 
hollies  which  grow  in  the  forest  of  Need- 
wood  bear  leaves  bristling  with  thorns  to  the 
height  of  eight  or  ten  feet,  and  above  this 
height  the  leaves  cease  to  be  thorny.  There  the  plant  has  no 
need  to  arm  itself  against  enemies  which  cannot  reach  it.  This 
tree,  with  its  dazzling  verdure,  is  the  last  ornament  of  the  forests, 
when  they  are  despoiled  by  the  winter's  frosts  and  chilling  blasts ; 
its  berries  serve  as  food  for  the  little  birds  which  remain  with  us 
through  the  inclement  season  of  winter ;  and  it  also  offers  them 
a  comfortable  shelter  amid  its  foliage. 


FORESIGHT. 

Some  to  the  holly  hedge 
Nestling  repair,  and  to  the  thicket  some; 
Some  to  the  rude  protection  of  the  thorn. 

THOMSON. 

O  reader !  hast  thou  ever  stood  to  see 

The  holly  tree? 

The  eye  that  contemplates  it  well  perceives 

Its  glossy  leaves; 

Order'd  by  an  Intelligence  so  wise 

As  might  confound  an  atheist's  sophistries. 

Below  a  circling  fence,  its  leaves  are  seen 

Wrinkled  and  keen ! 

No  grazing  cattle  through  their  prickly  round 

Can  reach  to  wound  ; 

But,  as  they  grow  where  nothing  is  to  fear, 

Smooth  and  unarm'd  the  pointless  leaves  appear. 

SOUTHEY. 


100  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OLLYHOCK,  or  ROSE-MALLOW.  Al- 
ccea  Rosea.  Class  16,  MONADELPHIA.  Or- 
der: POLYANDRIA.  All  the  world  knows 
this  superb  plant,  which  is  supposed  to  be  a 
native  of  China,  or  rather  of  Syria,  whence 
it  is  said  to  have  been  brought  to  Europe  in 
the  time  of  the  crusades.  From  its  ex- 
treme fecundity  in  the  production  of  flowers  it  has  been  made 
the  emblem  of  fruitfulness.  The  Chinese  represent  nature 
crowned  with  its  flowers.  Pliny  mentions  it  as  a  rose  growing 
on  stalks  like  the  mallow ;  and  Miller  states  that  he  received 
seeds  from  Istria,  where  they  were  gathered  in  the  fields ;  these 
seeds  produced  only  single  red  flowers,  while  seeds  received  from 
Madras  yielded  plants  with  double  flowers  of  a  variety  of  colours. 
H.  Smith  tells  us,  that 

From  the  nectaries  of  hollyhocks 
The  humble  bee  e'en  till  he  faints  will  sip. 

"  There  are  few  flowers  that  contribute  more  to  the  embellish- 
ment of  large  gardens  than  the  hollyhock,  although  their  hardy 
nature  and  easy  propagation  have  rendered  them  so  common  that 
they  are  much  less  regarded  by  the  generality  of  florists  than 
they  deserve." 

FRUITFULNESS. 

But  th'  earth  herself,  or  her  owne  motion, 
Out  of  her  fruitfull  bosome  made  to  growe 

Most  daintie  trees,  that,  shooting  up  anon, 
Did  seeme  to  bow  their  blooming  heads  full  lovve 
For  homage  unto  her,  and  like  a  throne  did  show. 

SPENSER. 

The  joyes  whereof  and  happy  fruitfulness, 
Such  as  he  saw,  she  gan  him  lay  before, 
And  all,  though  pleasant,  yet  she  made  much  more. 

SPESSE.R. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  101 


ONESTY,  or  SATIN  FLOWER.  Lfcno- 
ria.  Class  15,  TETRADYNAMIA.  Order : 
SILICULOSA.  This  pretty  flower  owes  its 
valuable  name  to  the  nature  of  its  singular 
seed-vessel,  that  honestly  shows  its  number 
of  seeds.  Lunaria,  the  botanical  name,  is 
derived  from  Luna,  the  moon,  in  reference 
to  the  shape  of  its  silique.  Lunaria  was  formerly  used  for  the 
most  dishonest  purposes, 

Enchanting  lunary  here  lies 
In  sorceries  excelling. 

DRAYTON. 

HONESTY. 

An  honest  soul  is  like  a  ship  at  sea, 
That  sleeps  at  anchor  when  the  ocean's  calm; 
But  when  she  rages,  and  the  wind  blows  high, 
He  cuts  his  way  with  skill  and  majesty. 

BEAUMONT. 

An  honest  man  is  still  an  unmoved  rock, 
Wash'd  whiter,  but  not  shaken  with  the  shock  ; 
Whose  heart  conceives  no  sinister  device; 
Fearless  he  plays  with  flames,  and  treads  on  ice. 

DAVENPORT. 

Take  heed  what  you  say,  sir, 
An  hundred  honest  men!   why  if  there  were 
So  many  i'  th'  city,  'twere  enough  to  forfeit 
Their  charter. 

SHIRLEY 

Heav'n  that  made  me  honest,  made  me  more 
Than  ever  king  did,  when  he  made  a  lord. 

ROWB. 

The  man  who  pauses  on  his  honesty 
Wants  little  of  the  villain. 

MARTYN. 

?)*'- 


102 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


QNEYSUCKLE,  or  WOODBINE.     Loni- 
cera.     Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.     Order  :  Mo- 
NOGYNIA.   The  honeysuckle  sometimes  amo- 
rously attaches  its  pliant  branches  to  the 
knotted  trunk  of  an  ancient  oak,  and  amid 
the  rugged  branches  of  that  lordly  tree, 
The  woodbines  mix  in  amorous  play, 
And  breathe  their  fragrant  lives  away. 
It  was  said  that  this  feeble  tree,  thus  shooting  into  the  air, 
would  overtop  the  king  of  the  forest ;  but,  as  if  its  efforts  were 
unavailing,  it  soon  recoiled,  and  with  graceful  negligence  adorned 
its  friendly  supporter  with  elegant  festoons  and  perfumed  gar- 
lands. 

BONDS  OF  LOVE. 

That  sweet  honeysuckle,  which 
Is  fair  as  fragrant. 

CARRINGTON. 

The  woodbine  wild, 

That  loves  to  hang,  on  barren  boughs  remote, 
Her  wreaths  of  flowery  perfume. 

MASON. 

Who  rears  his  cot 

Deep  in  the  rural  shade,  and  wreaths  around 
His  lattice  the  rath  woodbine ! 

CARRINGTON. 

Fair  is  thy  level  landscape,  England,  fair 
As  ever  nature  form'd  !     Away  it  sweeps, 
A  wide,  a  smiling  prospect,  gay  with  flowers, 
And  waving  grass,  and  trees  of  amplest  growth, 
And  sparkling  rills,  and  rivers  winding  slow 
Through  all  the  smooth  immense.     Upon  the  eye 
Arise  the  village  and  the  village  spire, 
The  clustering  hamlet,  and  the  peaceful  cot 
Clasp'd  by  the  woodbine. 

CARRINGTON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


103 


OP.  Humulus.  Class  22,  DKECIA.  Order : 
PENTANDRIA.  This  plant  will  grow  only  in 
rich  soils.  It  is  called  lupulus  by  natural- 
ists ;  and,  according  to  Pliny,  was  so  named 
because  it  grew  among  the  willows;  to 
them,  by  twining  round  and  choking  them 
up,  it  proved  very  destructive. 


INJUSTICE. 

Yes,  a  most  notorious  villain ; 
To  see  the  sufferings  of  my  fellow-creatures, 
And  own  myself  a  man  :  to  see  our  senators 
Cheat  the  deluded  people  with  a  show 
Of  liberty,  which  yet  they  ne'er  must  taste  of. 
They  say,  by  them  our  hands  are  free  from  fetters  ; 
Yet  whom  they  please  they  lay  in  basest  bonds; 
Bring  whom  they  please  to  infamy  and  sorrow ; 
Drive  us  like  wrecks  down  the  rough  tide  of  power, 
Whilst  no  hold 's  left  to  save  us  from  destruction : 
All  that  bear  this  are  villains,  and  I  one, 
Not  to  rouse  up  at  the  great  call  of  nature, 
And  check  the  growth  of  these  domestic  spoilers, 
That  make  us  slaves,  and  tell  us  'tis  our  charter. 

OTWAY. 

Justice  is  lame,  as  well  as  blind,  amongst  us: 
The  laws,  corrupted  to  their  ends  that  make  them, 
Serve  but  for  instruments  of  some  new  tyranny, 
That  every  day  starts  up  t'  enslave  us  deeper. 

OTWAY. 

Unheard,  the  injured  orphans  now  complain; 
The  widow's  cries  address  the  throne  in  vain, 
Causes  unjudged  disgrace  the  loaded  file, 
And  sleeping  laws  the  king's  neglect  revile. 

PRIOR. 


104  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ORSE  CHESTNUT.  jEsculus  Hippocasta- 
num.  Class  7,  HEPTANDRIA.  Order  :  Mo- 
NOGYNIA.  In  the  beginning  of  spring,  one 
rainy  day  is  sufficient  to  cause  this  beautiful 
tree  to  cover  itself  with  verdure.  If  it  be 
planted  alone,  nothing  surpasses  the  ele- 
gance of  its  pyramidal  form,  the  beauty  of 
its  foliage,  or  the  richness  of  its  flowers,  which  sometimes  make 
it  appear  as  an  immense  lustre  or  chandelier,  all  covered  with 
pearls.  Fond  of  ostentation  and  richness,  it  covers  with  flowers 
the  grass  which  it  overshadows,  and  yields  to  the  idler  a  most 
delightful  shade.  To  the  poor  man  it  is  of  little  service,  sup- 
plying him  with  nothing  more  than  a  light  and  porous  timber, 
and  a  bitter  fruit.  Naturalists  and  physicians  have  attributed  to 
this  child  of  Asia  a  thousand  good  qualities  which  it  does  not 


LUXURY. 

It  is  a  shame,  that  man,  that  has  the  seeds 
Of  virtue  in  him,  springing  unto  glory, 
Should  make  his  soul  degenerous  with  sin, 
And  slave  to  luxury;  to  drown  his  spirits 
In  lees  of  sloth ;  to  yield  up  the  weak  day 
To  wine,  to  lust,  and  banquets. 

MARMYON. 

War  destroys  men,  but  luxury  mankind 
At  once  corrupts ;  the  body  and  the  mind. 

CROWN. 

Fell  luxury!  more  perilous  to  youth 
Than  storms  or  quicksands,  poverty  or  chains. 

MORE. 

Sofas  't  was  half  a  sin  to  sit  upon, 
So  costly  were  they;  carpets,  every  stitch 
Of  workmanship  so  rare,  they  made  you  wish 
You  could  glide  o'er  them  like  a  golden  fish. 

BYRON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  105  jj 


OUSELEEK.       Sempervivum      Tectorum.  \ 
Class  11,  DODECANDRIA.     Order:  DODECA- 
GYNIA.    The  Houseleek  is  made  the  emblem 
of  vivacity,  because  it  retains  its  vivacious 
nature  even  on  the  hot  tiles  of  cottage  roofs.  \ 
In  such  situations  it  generally  bespeaks  the 
residence   of  some   good   old  dame    well  j 
skilled  in  simples,  and  reposing  implicit  faith  in  their  efficacy. 


VIVACITY. 


The  sprightly  Sylvia  trips  along  the  green; 
She  runs,  but  hopes  she  does  not  run  unseen. 

POPE. 

Tower'd  cities  please  us  then, 

And  the  busy  haunts  of  men, 

Where  throngs  of  knights  and  barons  bold, 

In  weeds  of  peace,  high  triumphs  hold ; 

With  store  of  ladies,  whose  bright  eyes 

Rain  influence,  and  judge  the  prize 

Of  wit  or  arms,  while  both  contend 

To  win  her  grace  whom  all  commend. 

There  let  Hymen  oft  appear 

In  saffron  robe  with  taper  clear, 

And  pomp  and  feast  and  revelry, 

With  mask  and  antique  pageantry  ; 

Such  sights  as  youthful  poets  dream 

On  summer  eves  by  haunted  stream, 

Then  to  the  well-trod  stage  anon, 

If  Jonson's  learned  sock  be  on, 

Or  sweetest  Shakspeare,  Fancy's  child, 

Warble  his  native  wood-notes  wild. 

MILTON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


YACINTH.     Hyacinthus.     Class  6,   HEX- 
ANDRIA.     Order:  MONOGYNIA.     The  hya- 
cinth, so  celebrated  in  the  songs  of  the  po- 
ets, from  the  time  of  Homer  to  the  present 
day,  is  made  emblematical  of  games,  or 
play,  in  allusion  to  the  fabulous  origin  of 
this  flower,  which,  according  to  mytholo-  j 
gists,  sprang  from  the  blood  of  Hyacinthus,  who  was  killed  by  a  < 
quoit,  through  the  agency  of  Zephyr,  who  blew  it  from  its  course  | 
;as  it  passed  from  the  hand  of  Apollo,  and  smote  the  unfortunate  | 
.;  youth  on  the  head.     Hurd  mentions 

The  melancholy  hyacinth  that  weeps 

All  night,  and  never  lifts  an  eye  all  day; 

probably  in  allusion  to  the  melancholy  fate  of  Hyacinthus. 

PLAY. 

Oh !  mournful,  graceful,  sapphire-colour'd  flower, 
That  keep'st  thine  eye  for  ever  fix'd  on  earth ! 
Gentle  and  sad,  a  foe  thou  seem'st  to  mirth  — 

What  secret  sorrow  makes  thee  thus  to  lower? 

Perhaps  'tis  that  thy  place  thou  canst  not  change, 
And  thou  art  pining  at  thy  prison'd  lot ; 
But  oh  !  where  couldst  thou  find  a  sweeter  spot, 

Wert  thou  permitted  earth's  wide  bounds  to  range  1 

In  pensive  grove,  meet  temple  for  thy  form, 
Where,  with  her  silvery  music,  doth  intrude 
The  lucid  stream,  where  nought  unkind  or  rude 

Durst  break  of  harmony  the  hallow'd  charm. 


Thy  beauties,  all  unseen  by  vulgar  eyes, 
Sol,  in  his  brightness,  still  delights  to  view; 
He  clothes  thy  petals  in  his  glorious  hue, 

To  show  how  much  of  old  he  did  thee  prize. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


IOT], 


\ 


YDRANGER.  Hydrangea  Hortensis.  Class 
10,  DECANDRIA.  Order:  DIGYNIA.  The 
Chinese  Guelder  Rose  is  presented  as  an 
emblem  of  a  boaster,  because  its  magnifi- 
cent flowers  are  never  succeeded  by  a  fruit, 
thus  resembling  the  vaunting  words  of  a 
braggadocia  which  are  not  followed  by  suit- 
able results.  It  is  a  native  of  China  and  Japan,  where  it  is  cul- 
tivated in  gardens.  It  was  brought  to  England  by  Sir  Joseph 
Banks  in  1790. 


BOASTER. 

The  honour  is  overpaid, 

When  he  that  did  the  act  is  commentator. 

SHIRLEY. 

He  that  vaunts 

Of  a  received  favour,  ought  to  be 
Punish'd  as  sacrilegious  persons  are, 
'Cause  he  doth  violate  that  sacred  thing, 
Pure,  spotless  honour. 

CARTWRIGHT. 

I'll  turn  two  mincing  steps 
Into  a  manly  stride :  and  speak  of  frays 
Like  a  fine  bragging  youth ;  and  tell  quaint  lies 
How  honourable  ladies  sought  my  love, 
Which  I  denying,  they  fell  sick  and  died  : 
I  could  not  do  with  all :  —  then  I  will  repent, 
And  wish,  for  all  that,  that  I  had  not  kill'd  them, 
And  twenty  of  these  puny  lies  I'll  tell, 
That  men  shall  swear  I  have  discontinued  school 
Above  a  twelvemonth. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

We  rise  in  glory,  as  we  sink  in  pride ; 
Where  boasting  ends,  there  dignity  begins. 

YOUNG. 


108  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


CE  PLANT.  Mesembryanthemum  Crys- 
tallinum.  Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Order: 
PENTAGYNIA.  The  leaves  of  this  singular 
plant  are  covered  with  transparent  vesicles 
full  of  water.  When  in  the  shade  it  seems 
to  be  gemmed  with  dew-drops ;  but  when 
exposed  to  the  burning  sun,  it  appears  scat- 
tered over  with  frozen  crystals,  which  reflect  with  great  bril- 
liancy the  rays  of  the  sun ;  on  this  account  it  is  commonly  called 
ice  plant. 


YOUR  LOOKS  FREEZE  ME. 

With  pellucid  studs  the  ice-flower  gems 
His  rising  foliage,  and  his  candied  stems. 

DARWIN. 

Tell  me,  perhaps  thou  think'st  in  that  sweet  look 
The  white  is  beauty's  native  tapestry] 
'Tis  crystal,  friend,  iced  in  the  frozen  sea. 

FLETCHER. 

Be  she  constant,  be  she  fickle, 
Be  she  fire,  or  be  she  ice. 

COTTON. 

Those  glances  work  on  me  like  the  weak  shine 
The  frosty  sun  throws  on  the  Appenine, 
When  the  hills'  active  coldness  doth  go  near 
To  freeze  the  glimmering  taper  to  his  sphere. 

BEAUMONT. 

Then,  taught  both  impudence  and  wit, 
I  singled  out  my  foe,  used  all  the  arts 
That  love  could  think  upon,  and  in  the  end 
Found  a  most  absolute  repulse. 

SHIRLEY. 
; j 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  109 


CELAND  MOSS.  Cetraria  Islandica.  Class 
24,  CRYPTOGAMIA.  Order :  LICHENES.  Lich- 
ens are  valuable  for  their  own  uses,  as  well 
as  being  such  good  settlers  in  barren  ground 
to  make  it  fit  for  other  residents.  One  of 
the  most  useful  lichens  is  that  known  by  the 
name  of  Iceland  Moss,  which  is  plentiful 
with  us,  though  not  sufficiently  so  to  supply  the  shops,  now  that 
it  has  become  a  fashionable  remedy  for  coughs,  consumptions,  and  ! 
the  like.  Great  quantities  are  sent  here  from  Norway  and  Ice-; I 
land,  where,  and  in  Lapland,  it  is  much  used  as  an  article  of 
food ;  they  either  eat  it  boiled  in  broth  or  milk,  or  after  the  bitter 
properties  are  extracted,  it  is  dried  and  made  into  bread. 

HEALTH. 

Ah !  what  avail  the  largest  gitls  of  heaven, 
When  drooping  health  and  spirits  go  amiss  1 
How  tasteless  then  whatever  can  be  given? 
Health  is  the  vital  principle  of  bliss, 
And  exercise  of  health.     In  proof  of  this, 
Behold  the  wretch  who  slugs  his  life  away, 
Soon  swallow'd  in  disease's  sad  abyss ; 
While  he  whom  toil  has  braced,  or  manly  play, 
Has  light  as  air  each  limb,  each  thought  as  clear  as  day. 

O  who  can  speak  the  vigorous  joys  of  health  ! 
Unclogg'd  the  body,  unobscured  the  mind: 
The  morning  rises  gay;  with  pleasing  stealth, 
The  temperate  evening  falls  serene  and  kind. 
In  health  the  wiser  brutes  true  gladness  find. 
See  how  the  younglings  frisk  along  tho  meads, 
As  May  comes  on  and  wakes  the  balmy  wind ; 
Rampant  with  life,  their  joy  all  joy  exceeds : 
Yet  what  but  high-strung  health  this  dancing  pleasaunce 
breeds  ? 

THOMSON. 

10 


110  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

NDIAN  CRESS,  THREE-COLOURED. 
Tropseolum  Tricolorum.  Class  8,  OCTAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This  elegant 
plant  is  a  native  of  Valparaiso ;  from  whence 
it  was  introduced  in  1828.  The  striking 
distinction  and  unrivalled  brilliancy  in  the 
colours  of  the  flowers  render  this  one  of  the 
most  desirable  of  climbing  plants.  The  gentle  drooping  of  the 
flowers  have  occasioned  its  adoption  as  an  emblem  of  Resignation 

RESIGNATION. 

Passing  the  inclosure  where  the  dead  repose, 

I  saw,  in  sable  weeds,  a  gentle  pair 
Lingering  with  fond  regard  at  evening's  close, 

Beside  a  little  grave  fresh  swelling  there: 

Silent  they  stood — serene  their  thoughtful  air; 

There  fell  no  tear,  no  vain  complaint  arose  ; 
Faith  seem'd  to  prompt  the  unutterable  prayer, 

And  to  their  view  the  eternal  home  disclose. 

Next  Sabbath  brought  me  where  the  fiow'ret  lay, 
Record  of  high  descent  the  marble  bore, 

Heir  of  a  noble  house  and  only  stay : 

And  these  words  gather'd  from  the  Bible's  store — 

*  The  Lord  hath  given,  the  Lord  hath  ta'en  away, 
His  holy  name  be  blessed  evermore.' 

ANON. 

You  shall  be  as  a  father  to  my  youth, 

My  voice  shall  sound  as  you  do  prompt  mine  ear ; 

And  I  will  stoop  and  humble  my  intents 

To  your  well-practised,  wise  directions. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

My  other  self,  my  counsel's  consistory, 
My  oracle,  my  prophet!  —  My  dear  cousin, 
I,  as  a  child,  will  go  by  thy  direction. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  Ill 


RIS.  Iris.  Class  3,  TRIANDRIA.  Order: 
MONOGYNIA.  This  plant  is  supposed  to  have 
been  named  after  Juno's  attendant,  because 
its  colours  are  similar  to  those  bestowed  on 
the  messenger  of  that  goddess,  by  poets  and 
mythological  writers.  Iris  is  usually  por- 
trayed as  descending  from  a  rainbow ;  and 
the  eye  of  heaven  (Plutarch  says  that  is  the  meaning  of  the 
word  Iris)  is  not  more  variegated  than  the  flower  that  has  been 
honoured  by  her  name. 


MESSAGE. 


All  with  their  pearls  so  fair, 

The  gay  flowers  wreathed  were, 
But,  'midst  them  all, 

Crown'd  at  the  rainbow  festival, 
A  sapphire-colour'd  blossom  shone 
The  loveliest  there;  no  other  one 
Her  jewels  wore 

So  gracefully.     Her  robe  all  o'er 
Was  radiant,  yet  deep  blue,  like  twilight  sky, 
And  softly  shaded,  as  when  clouds  do  lie 
Upon  the  deep  expanse.     'T  was  strange,  none  knew 
A  name  for  this  fair  form,  so  bright  and  blue: 
But  sister-flowrets  fancifully  said, 
As  they  to  note  her  beauty  had  been  led 
By  its  enhancement  in  the  rainbow  shower, 
They  e'en  would  call  her  IRIS  from  that  hour. 

TWAMLEY. 

Iris,  on  saffron  wings  array 'd  with  dew 

Of  various  colours,  through  the  sunbeams  flew. 

VIRGIL. 


112 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


VY.  Hedera.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  Or- 
der: MONOGYNIA.  Faithful  love  secures 
with  a  branch  of  ivy  the  quickly  fading  roses 
which  adorn  the  brow.  Friendship  has 
chosen  for  its  device  an  ivy  which  clothes:  a 
fallen  tree,  with  these  words : — "  Rien  ne 
pent  m'en  detacher."  In  Greece,  the  altar 
ij  of  Hymen  was  surrounded  with  ivy,  a  sprig  of  which  was  pre- 
,  j  sented  by  the  priest  to  a  new-married  spouse,  as  the  symbol  of  an 
indissoluble  knot.  The  Bacchantes,  old  Silenua,  and  Bacchus 
himself  were  crowned  with  ivy.  Ingratitude  has  sometimes  been 
represented  by  ivy,  as  when  it  attaches  itself  to  a  young  tree  it 
confines  the  stem,  and  consequently  prevents  the  free  circulation 
of  the  sap.  The  author  of  a  French  work  has  repelled  this  ca- 
lumny. The  ivy  appears  to  him  to  be  the  emblem  of  eternal 
1 1  friendship ;  he  says,  "Nothing  is  able  to  separate  the  ivy  from 
the  tree  around  which  it  has  once  entwined  itself;  it  clothes  the 
object  with  its  own  foliage  in  that  inclement  season  when  its 
black  boughs  are  covered  with  hoar  frost ;  the  companion  of  its 
destinies,  it  falls  when  the  tree  is  cut  down.  Death  itself  does 
not  detach  it,  but  it  continues  to  decorate  with  its  constant  ver- 
dure the  dry  trunk  it  had  chosen  as  its  support. 


FRIENDSHIP. 

Though  long  the  time  since  I  my  friend  have  seen, 

Though  long  to  me  his  tongue  hath  silent  been, 

Though  absence,  distance,  and  diverse  pursuit 

Might  seem  to  aim  at  Friendship's  vig'rous  root, 

Yet  is  the  plant  too  tough'  to  own  the  pow'r 

Of  life's  poor,  changing,  transitory  hour. 

No!   Friendship  is  a  plant  of  heavenly  birth, 

Constant  its  nature,  and  immense  its  worth, 

Its  essence  virtue,  and  is  known  to  rest 

And  glow  most  warmly  in  the  virtuous  breast ! 

PRATTENT 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


113 


ASMINE,  WHITE.  Jasminum  Officinale. 
Class  2,  DIANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA. 
Though  born  beneath  a  summer  sky,  and 
nourished  by  a  kindlier  soil  than  ours,  yet 
the  pure,  the  fragrant,  the  modest,  maidenly 
Jasmine  has  become  unto  us  as  an  old  fami- 
liar friend,  and  is  now  as  well  known,  and 

as  frequently  seen  climbing  round  the  cottage-porch,  as  our  own 

.  jscious  Honey-suckle. 

AMIABILITY. 

The  free  and  sportive  Jasmine-tree! 

O'er  the  lone  captive's  darksome  cell, 
How  many  a  tale  of  liberty 

Could'st  thou  to  his  sad  spirit  tell! 
Each  slender  tendril  floating  there, 

Laughing  in  sunshine,  nursed  by  showers, 
And  gemming  the  perfumed  air 

With  winged  wreaths  of  starry  flowers. 

The  captive  saw  the  Jasmine-tree, 

Whose  slight  and  fragile  branches  crept 
Through  the  dim  loop-hole  steadily — 

He  sadly  gazed  on  them,  and  wept; 
Each  wandering  breeze  their  light  leaves  stirr'd, 

They  look'd  up  to  the  glorious  sky, 
And,  poised  upon  them,  many  a  bird 

Trill'd  forth  its  free  wild  melody. 

Perchance  there  grew  a  Jasmine-tree 

Beside  his  own  ancestral  hall, 
Where  he  had  loved,  in  childhood's  glee, 

To  watch  its  short-lived  blossoms  fall : 
Alas !  how  soon  those  blossoms  died, 

When  severd  from  their  native  stem! 
Did  not  like  early  doom  betide 

That  captive?  Drooped  he  not  like  them1 

TWAMLET. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ASMINE,  CAROLINA  BELLOW.  Gel- 
simium  Nitidum.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  | 
Order:  DIGYNIA.  This  beautiful  flower 
grows  wild  in  great  abundance  in  our  south- 
ern states,  spreading  over  the  hedges  and 
trees  and  shedding  a  most  delicious  fra- 
grance. It  is  a  favourite  of  the  Humming- 
Bird,  and  a  British  writer  regrets  that  in  transferring  it  to  Eng- 
land it  is  necessary  to  separate  it  from  the  sprightly  and  elegant 
little  bird,  who  finds  sustenance  in  the  nectareous  vessels  of  its 
flowers. 

SEPARATION. 

When  the  tree  of  Love  is  budding  first, 

Ere  yet  its  leaves  are  green, 
Ere  yet,  by  shower  and  sunbeam  nurst 

Its  infant  life  has  been; 
The  wild  bee's  slightest  touch  might  wring 

The  buds  from  off  the  tree, 
As  the  gentle  dip  of  the  swallow's  wing 

Breaks  the  bubbles  on  the  sea. 

But  when  its  open  leaves  have  found 

A  home  in  the  free  air, 
Pluck  them,  and  there  remains  a  wound 

That  ever  rankles  there. 
The  blight  of  hope  and  happiness 

Is  felt  when  fond  ones  part, 
And  the  bitter  tear  that  follows  is 

The  life-blood  of  the  heart. 

HALLECK. 

Let's  not  unman  each  other — part  at  once: 
All  farewells  should  be  sudden,  when  for  ever, 
Else  they  make  an  eternity  of  moments, 
And  clog  the  last  sad  sands  of  life  with  tears. 

BYRON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


115 


ONQUIL.  Narcissus  Jonquilla.  Class  6, 
HEXANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This 
species  of  narcissus  is  distinguished  from 
others  by  its  rush-like  foliage ;  hence  its 
name,  derived  from  juncus,  rushy.  It  is 
more  fragrant  than  any  other  species  of  the 
plant,  and  is  frequently  found  too  strong  for 

moderate-sized   rooms.      It  flowers  well  in  water,  is  of  great 

beauty,  and  very  popular. 

DESIRE. 

Nor  gradual  bloom  is  wanting, 
Nor  hyacinths  of  purest  virgin  white, 
Low  bent  and  blushing  inward ;  nor  jonquils 
Of  potent  fragrance. 

THOMSON. 

O  fierce  desire,  the  spring  of  sighs  and  tears, 
Relieved  with  want,  impoverish'd  with  store, 
Nurst  with  vain  hopes,  and  fed  with  doubtful  fears, 
Whose  force  withstood,  increaseth  more  and  more ! 
,  BRANDON. 

'Tis  most  ignoble,  that  a  mind  unshaken 
By  fear,  should  by  a  vain  desire  be  broken ; 
Or  that  those  powers  no  labour  e'er  could  vanquish, 
Should  be  o'ercome  and  thrall'd  by  sordid  pleasure. 

CHAPMAN. 

Thou  blind  man's  mark ;  thou  fool's  self-chosen  snare, 
Fond  fancy's  scum,  and  dregs  of  scatter'd  thoughts ; 
Band  of  all  evils ;  cradle  of  causeless  care ; 
Thou  web  of  ill,  whose  end  is  never  wrought ; 
Desire !  Desire !  I  have  too  dearly  bought 
With  price  of  mangled  mind  thy  worthless  ware, 
Too  long,  too  long,  asleep  thou  hast  me  brought, 
Who  shouldst  my  mind  to  higher  things  prepare. 

SIDNEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


UNIPER.  Juniperus.  Class  2V,  DICECIA. 
Order  :  MONADELPHIA.  The  ancients  con- 
secrated this  shrub  to  the  Eumenides.  The 
smoke  of  its  green  branches  was  the  in- 
cense which,  in  preference,  they  chose  to 
offer  to  the  infernal  gods  ;  and  burnt  its  ber- 
ries, on  funeral  occasions,  to  drive  away 
evil  spirits.  The  simple  villagers  of  England  superstitiously  be- 
lieve that  the  perfume  of  its  berries  purifies  the  air,  and  protects 
them  from  the  malevolence  of  wicked  genii. 

The  Chinese  delight  to  decorate  their  gardens  with  this  plant. 
It  groups  and  combines  very  well  with  cypresses,  American 
cedars,  and  various  species  of  the  pine  and  fir  tribe.  It  is  com- 
monly found  growing  wild  on  the  outskirts  of  woods  and  forests, 
where  it  often  affords  a  safe  retreat  to  the  hunted  hare,  which,  in 
the  last  extremity,  conceals  itself  beneath  its  protecting  branches. 
It  is  said  that  the  powerful  odour  emitted  by  this  plant  defeats 
the  keen  scent  of  the  hound. 

Its  thick  branches,  bristling  with  thorns,  are  covered  with 
thousands  of  brilliant  insects,  which  seem  to  imagine  this  tree  is 
provided  as  a  protection  for  their  weakness. 

ASYLUM.    PROTECTION. 

Welcome,  pure  thoughts;  welcome,  ye  silent  groves; 
These  guests,  these  courts,  my  soul  most  dearly  kves. 
Now  the  wing'd  people  of  the  sky  shall  sing 
My  cheerful  anthems  to  the  gladsome  spring: 
A  prayer-book  now  shall  be  my  looking-glass, 
In  which  I  will  adore  sweet  virtue's  face. 
Here  dwell  no  hateful  looks,  no  palace  cares, 
No  broken  vows  dwell  here,  nor  pale-faced  fears: 
Then  here  I'll  sit,  and  sigh  my  lost  love's  folly, 
And  learn  to  affect  an  holy  melancholy  ; 
And  if  contentment  be  a  stranger  then, 
I'll  ne'er  look  for  it,  but  in  heaven  again. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  117 


ENNEDIA,  ELEGANT  SCARLET.  Ken- 
nedia  Coccinea  Elegans.  Class  DIADEL- 
PHIA.  Order :  DECANDRIA.  This  is  a 
charming  variety  of  the  Kennedia  Cocci- 
nea, and  deserves  the  most  extensive  culti- 
vation. It  grows  delicate,  and  is  well  suit- 
ed for  climbing  up  a  pillar  in  a  conserva 
tory,  where  it  will  flower  to  perfection.  Its  rare  delicacy  and 
beauty  render  it  a  suitable  emblem  of  Mental  Beauty. 


MENTAL  BEAUTY. 

When  I  approach 

Her  loveliness,  so  absolute  she  seems, 
And  in  herself  complete,  so  well  to  know 
Her  own,  that  what  she  wills  to  do  or  say, 
Seems  wisest,  virtuousest,  discreetest,  best, 
All  higher  knowledge  in  her  presence  falls 
Degraded,  wisdom  in  discourse  with  her 
Loses  discount'nanced,  and  like  folly  shows. 

MILTON. 

What  is  beauty  7    Not  the  show 

Of  shapely  limbs  and  features.     No. 

These  are  but  flowers, 

That  have  their  dated  hours, 

To  breathe  their  momentary  sweets,  then  ga 

'Tis  the  stainless  soul  within 

That  outshines  the  fairest  skin. 

HUNT. 

Mark  her  majestic  fabric !  she  's  a  temple 
Sacred  by  birth,  and  built  by  hands  divine; 
Her  soul's  the  deity  that  lodges  there; 
Nor  is  the  pile  unworthy  of  the  god. 

DRYDEN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ARKSPUR.      Delphinium   Ajacis.      Class 
13,   POLYANDRIA.      Order:    PEN-IAGYNIA 

Found  in  Europe,  Siberia  and  America,  and 
called  Larkspur  from  a  fancied  resemblance 
in  the  horn-shaped  nectary  at  the  back  of 
the  corolla  to  the  spur  of  the  Lark's  foot. 


ARDENT  ATTACHMENT. 

Helen,  I  love  thee;  by  my  life,  I  do; 

I  swear  by  that  which  I  will  lose  for  thee, 

To  prove  him  false,  that  says  I  love  thee  not. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

O  happy  fair! 

Your  eyes  aro  load-stars,  and  your  tongue^s  sweet  air, 
More  tunaks  than  lark  to  shepherd's  ear, 
When  wheat  is  green,  when  hawthorn  buds  appear. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

O,  gentle  Romeo, 

If  thou  dost  love,  pronounce  it  faithfully. 
Or  if  thou  think'st  I  am  too  quickly  won, 
I'll  frown,  and  be  perverse,  and  say  thee  nay, 
So  thou  wilt  woo:   but,  else,  not  for  the  world. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

In  truth,  fair  Montague,  I  am  too  fond  ; 
And  therefore  thou  may'st  think  my  'haviour  light: 
But  trust  me,  gentleman,  I'll  prove  more  true 
Than  those  that  have  more  cunning. 

SHAKSPEARE, 

Sweet,  good  night ! 

This  bud  of  love,  by  summer's  ripening  breath, 
May  prove  a  beauteous  flower  when  next  we  meet. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


119 


AUREL.  Prunus  Laurocerasus.  Class 
12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  To 
wear  the  crown  of  laurel,  has  been  the  sol- 
dier's ambition  from  the  earliest  ages  to 
the  present  day ;  it  is  also  regarded  as  the 
appropriate  reward  of  poets,  orators,  and 
philosophers. 

GLORY. 


The  laurel,  meed  of  mighty  conquerors. 

SPENSER. 

Their  temples  wreath'd  with  leaves  that  still  renew : 
For  deathless  laurel  is  the  victor's  due. 

DRYDEN. 

Real  glory 

Springs  from  the  conquest  of  ourselves ; 
And  without  that  the  conqueror  is  nought 
But  the  first  slave. 

THOMSON. 

And  should  the  aspiring  man,  that  makes  his  gain 
Of  others'  hurts,  not  hurt  himself  for  gain  1 
Not,  when  he  stabs  another  for  a  purse, 
Prick  his  own  bosom  for  a  dearer  price, 
And  wound  his  heart,  to  laurel-crown  his  head. 

BIRD. 

Brave  though  we  fall,  and  honour'd  if  we  live, 
Or  let  us  glory  gain,  or  glory  give. 

POPE. 

And  glory  long  has  made  the  sages  smile  ; 
'T  is  something,  nothing,  words,  illusion,  wind- 
Depending  more  upon  the  historian's  style 
Than  on  the  name  a  person  leaves  behind. 

BYRON. 


120  FLORA'S    LEXICON 


AUREL,  MOUNTAIN.  Rhododendron. 
Class  10,  DECANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA. 
This  beautiful  tree  is  found  in  North  Ame- 
rica, Siberia,  Europe,  and  the  western  part 
of  Asia.  It  is  cultivated  in  the  United 
States  as  an  ornament  to  gardens  and 
grounds. 

AMBITION. 

How  dost  thou  wear  and  weary  out  thy  days, 
Restless  Ambition^  never  at  an  end. 

DANIEL. 

A  funerale  stone 
Or  verse,  I  covet  none ; 

But  only  crave 
Of  you  that  I  may  have 
A  sacred  laurel  springing  from  my  grave ; 

Which  being  seen 
Blest  with  perpetual  greene, 

May  grow  to  be 
Not  so  much  call'd  a  tree, 

As  the  eternal  monument  of  me. 
HERRICK. 

I  have  ventured, 

Like  little  wanton  boys  that  swim  on  bladders, 
This  many  summers  in  a  sea  of  glory  : 
But  far  beyond  my  depth  :  my  high-blown  pride 
At  length  broke  under  me ;  and  now  has  left  me, 
Weary,  and  old  with  service,  to  the  mercy 
Of  a  rude  stream,  that  must  for  ever  hide  me. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

CromweJ,  I  charge  thee,  fling  away  ambition  : 
By  that  sin  fell  the  angels;  how  can  man  then, 
The  image  of  his  Maker,  hope  to  win  by'f? 

SHAKSFEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


121 


AURUSTINUS.  Viburnum  Tinus.  Class 
5,  PENTANDRIA.  Order:  TRIGVNIA.  This 
is  one  of  the  prettiest  of  evergreen  shrubs, 
and  is  the  gift  of  Spain  to  our  highly  favour- 
ed land.  In  winter  it  is  the  ornament  of 
our  groves,  displaying  its  shining  leaves 
and  showy  white  flowers  when  other  trees 
have  ceased  to  bloom. 

Neither  the  hot  breath  of  summer  nor  the  cold  kiss  of  winter 
can  rob  it  of  its  charms ;  but  to  preserve  it  we  must  tend  it  with 
assiduous  care.  The  symbol  of  a  constant  and  delicate  friend-* 
ship,  it  ever  seeks  to  please,  yet  dies  if  neglected.  ^ 


I  DIE  IF  NEGLECTED. 

He  does  not  love  me  ! 
I  never  dream'd  of  this!     To  be  his  bride 
Was  all  the  Heav'n  I  look'd  for!     Not  to  love  me 
When  I  have  been  ten  years  affianced  to  him!  — 
When  I  have  lived  for  him  —  shut  up  my  heart, 
With  every  pulse  and  hope,  for  his  use  only  — 
Worshipp'd  —  oh  God!  idolatrously  loved  him! 

Why  has  he  sought  to  marry  me?     Why  still 
Renew  the  broken  pledge  my  father  made  him? 
Why,  for  ten  years,  with  war  and  policy, 

Strive  for  my  poor  alliance  ? 

He  must  love  me, 

Or  1  shall  break  my  heart!     I  never  had 

One  other  hope  in  life!     I  never  link'd 

One  thought,  but  to  this  chain!     1  have  no  blood  — 

No  breath  —  no  being  —  separate  from  Sforza! 

Nothing  has  any  other  name  !    The  sun 

Shined  like  his  smile  —  the  lightning  was  his  glory. 

WlLMS. 


11 


rr: 


: — ~.r=: 1 "  -i 

122  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ILAC,  PERSIAN.  Syringa.  Class  2,  Di- 
ANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  This  more 
delicate  variety  of  the  lilac  is  becoming  a 
favourite  among  the  florists.  It  is  made 
the  emblem  of  the  first  emotions  of  Love, 
on  account  of  its  delicacy,  both  of  fragrance 
and  colour. 


FIRST  EMOTIONS  OF  LOVE. 

We  sat  and  sigh'd, 

And  look'd  upon  each  other,  and  conceived 
Not  what  we  ail'd ;  yet  something  we  did  ail ; 
And  yet  were  well ,  and  yet  we  were  not  well : 
And  what  was  our  disease  we  could  not  tell : 
Then  would  we  kiss,  then  sigh,  then  look:  And  thus 
In  that  first  garden  of  our  simpleness 
We  spent  our  childhood :  But  when  years  began 
To  reap  the  fruit  of  knowledge ;  ah,  how  then 
Would  she  with  graver  looks,  with  sweet  stern  brow, 
Check  my  presumption,  and  my  forwardness  ! 
Yet  still  would  give  me  flow'rs;  still  would  she  show 
What  she  would  have  me,  yet  not  have  me  know. 

DANIEL. 

She  felt  his  flame;  but  deep  within  her  breast, 
In  bashful  coyness,  or  in  maiden  pride, 
The  soft  return  conceal'd ;  save  when  it  stole 
In  sidelong  glances  from  her  downcast  eye, 
Or  from  her  swelling  soul  in  stifled  sighs. 

THOMSON. 

What  is  this  subtle  searching  flame  of  love, 
That  penetrates  the  tender  breast  unmask'd, 
And  blasts  the  heart  of  adamant  within ; 
As  the  quick  light'ning  oft  calcines  the  blade 
Of  temper'd  steel,  and  leaves  the  sheath  unhurt. 

DARCY. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


123 


ILY,  SUPERB.    Lilium  Superbum.    Class 
6,  HEXANDRIA.    Order :  MONOGYNIA.    The 

stem  is  erect,  straight,  six  feet  high,  sup- 
porting a  most  superb  pyramid  of  light 
orange-coloured  flowers,  sometimes  to  the 
number  of  forty.  This  species  is  occasionally 
seen  in  our  gardens,  improved  by  cultivation. 

SPLENDOUR. 


Nor  are  thy  evening  splendours,  mighty  Orb! 

Less  beautiful:  and  oh!  more  touching  far, 
And  of  more  power  thought,  feeling  to  absorb 

In  silent  ecstasy,  to  me  they  are; 
When,  watchful  of  thy  exit,  one  pale  star 

Shines  on  the  brow  of  summer's  loveliest  eve ; 
And  breezes,  softer  than  the  soft  guitar, 

Whose  plaintive  notes  Castilian  maids  deceive, 
Among  the  foliage  sigh,  and  take  of  thee  their  leave. 

Oh!  then  it  is  delightful  to  behold 

Thy  calm  departure ;  soothing  to  survey 
Through  opening  clouds,  by  thee  all  edged  with  gold, 

The  milder  pomp  of  thy  declining  sway : 
How  beautiful,  on  church-tower  old  and  grey, 

Is  shed  thy  parting  smile ;  how  brightly  glow 
Thy  last  beams  on  some  tall  tree's  loftiest  spray, 

While  silvery  mists  half  veil  the  trunk  below, 
And  hide  the  rippling  stream  that  scarce  is  heard  to  fl  )w ! 

BARTON. 

O  place  and  greatness,  millions  of  false  eyes 
Are  stuck  upon  thee  !  volumes  of  report 
Run  with  these  false  and  most  contrarions  guests 
Upon  thy  doings !  thousand  'scapes  of  wit 
Make  thee  the  father  of  their  idle  dream, 
And  rack  thee  in  their  fancies. 

SlIAKSPEARE 


124  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


ILY,  YELLOW.  Class  6,  HEXANDRIA. 
Order :  MONOGYNIA.  This  flower  is  a  na- 
tive of  Persia,  transferred  to  Europe,  and 
thence  to  the  United  States.  The  flowers 
of  this  plant  speedily  fade,  seldom  conti- 
nuing two  days  in  bloom ;  for  this  reason  it 
has  been  assigned  as  the  emblem  of  co- 
quetry. As  an  equivalent  for  the  transient  duration  of  its  flow- 
ers, it  displays  its  beauty  by  a  continual  succession  of  blossom, 
and  gives  out  for  some  time  a  very  agreeable  odour ;  and  this  the 
more  powerfully  when  planted  in  shady  or  moist  situations. 

COQUETRY. 

A  beam  upon  the  myrtle  fell 

From  dewy  evening's  purest  sky, 

'Twas  like  the  glance  I  love  so  well, 
Dear  Eva,  from  thy  moonlight  eye. 

I  look'd  around  the  summer  grove, 

On  every  tree  its  lustre  shone ; 
For  all  had  felt  that  look  of  love 

The  silly  myrtle  deem'd  its  own. 

Eva !  behold  thine  image  there, 
As  fair,  as  false  thy  glances  fall; 

But  who  the  worthless  smile  would  share 
That  sheds  its  light  alike  on  all. 

DRAKE. 

Nymph  of  the  mincing  mouth  and  languid  eye, 
And  lisping  tongue  so  soft,  and  head  awry, 
And  flutt'ring  heart,  of  leaves  of  aspen  made ; 
Who  were  thy  parents,  blushful  virgin  ?  —  say ; 
Perchance  dame  Folly  gave  thee  to  the  day, 
With  Gaffer  Ignorance's  aid. 

WOLCOT. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


125 


ILY  OF  THE  VALLEY.  Convallaria  ma- 
jalis.  Class  6,  HEXANDRIA.  Order :  Mo- 
NOGVNIA.  This  lowly  plant  loves  the  shel- 
ter of  the  hollow  valleys,  the  shade  of  oaks, 
or  the  cool  banks  of  streams. 

The  "  Naiad-like  lily  of  the  vale,  whose 
tremulous  bells  are  seen  through  their  pa- 
vilions of  tender  green,"  should  form  a  part  of  every  wreath  that 
crowns  the  happy,  the  innocent  and  the  gay. 

Keats  has  assigned  a  diadem  to  this  lowly  plant :  — 
No  flower  amid  the  garden  fairer  grows 
Than  the  sweet  lily  of  the  lowly  vale, 
The  queen  of  flowers. 

RETURN  OF  HAPPINESS. 

That  white  hand  is  withdrawn,  that  fair,  sad  face  is  gone ; 
But  the  music  of  that  silver  voice  is  flowing  sweetly  on, — 
Not,  as  of  late,  with  cheerful  tones,  but  mournfully  and  low, — 
A  ballad  of  a  tender  maid  heart-broken  long  ago, 
Of  him  who  died  in  battle,  the  youthful  and  the  brave, 
And  her  who  died  of  sorrow  upon  his  early  grave. 

But  see,  along  that  rugged  path,  a  fiery  horseman  ride  ; 
See  the  torn  plume,  the  tarnish'd  belt,  the  sabre  at  his  side ; 
His  spurs  are  in  his  horse's  sides,  his  hand  casts  loose  the  rein ; 
There 's  sweat  upon  the  streaming  flank,  and  foam  upon  the 

mane; 

He  sper  ds  toward  that  olive  bower,  along  the  shaded  hill : 
God  shield  the  hapless  maiden  there,  if  he  should  mean  her  ill. 

And  suddenly  the  song  has  ceased,  and  suddenly  I  hear 
A  shriek  sent  up  amid  the  shade — a  shriek — but  not  of  fear ; 
For  tender  accents  follow,  and  tenderer  pauses  speak 
The  overflow  of.gladness  when  words  are  all  too  weak  : 
"  I  lay  my  good  sword  at  thy  feet,  for  now  Peru  is  free, 
And  I  am  come  to  dwell  beside  the  olive  grove  with  thee." 

BRYANT. 


11 


126  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

ILY.  Lilium  Candidum.  Class  6,  HEX- 
ANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  All  nations 
agree  in  making  this  flower  the  symbol  of 
purity  and  modesty ;  and  its  beauty  and  de- 
licacy have  ever  been  the  theme  of  admira- 
tion with  the  poets,  from  the  time  of  Solo- 
mon to  the  present  day. 

PURITY  AND  MODESTY. 

Where  may  the  bright  flower  be  met 
That  can  match  with  Margaret, — 
Margaret,  stately,  staid,  and  good, 
Growing  up  to  womanhood : 
Loving,  thoughtful,  wise,  and  kind, 
Pure  in  heart  and  strong  in  mind  1 
Eyes  deep  blue  as  is  the  sky 
When  the  full  moon  sails  on  high ; 
Eye-brow  true  and  forehead  fair, 
And  dark,  richly-braided  hair, 
And  a  queenly  head  well  set, 
Crown  my  maiden  Margaret. 
Where's  the  flower  that  thou  canst  find 
Match  for  her  in  form  and  mind] 

Fair  white  lilies,  having  birth 
In  their  native  genial  earth ;  — 
These  in  scent  and  queenly  grace, 
Match  thy  maiden's  form  and  face! 

HOWITT. 

Observe  the  rising  lily's  snowy  grace; 
Observe  the  various  vegetable  race; 
They  neither  toil  nor  spin,  but  careless  grow ; 
Yet,  see  how  warm  they  blush !  how  bright  they  glow  ! 
What  regal  vestments  can  with  them  compare! 
What  king  so  shining,  or  what  queen  so  fair? 

THOMSON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


127 


INDEN  TREE.  Tilia.  Class  15,  POLY- 
ANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  Baucis  was 
changed  into  the  Linden  tree,  which  has 
ever  since  been  the  emblem  of  conjugal 
love.  In  glancing  over  the  consecrated 
plants  in  the  mythology  of  the  ancients,  we 
cannot  fail  to  admire  their  fitness  to  repre- 
sent the  various  qualities  of  which  they  are  symbolical. 

Beauty — grace — simplicity — an  extreme  softness  of  manner, 
and  an  innocent  gaiety,  should  be,  in  all  ages,  the  properties  and 
accomplishments  of  a  tender  wife.  We  find  all  these  qualities 
united  in  the  Linden  tree;  which,  in  spring,  is  ever  covered  with 
a  soft  and  delicate  verdure,  and  exhales  a  very  delightful  fra- 
grance, while  it  lavishes  the  honey  of  its  flowers  upon  the  busy 
bee. 

CONJUGAL  LOVE. 

Are  we  not  onel  are  we  not  join'd  by  heav'nl 
Each  interwoven  with  the  other's  fate  7 
Are  we  not  mix'd  like  streams  of  meeting  rivers, 
Whose  blended  waters  are  no  more  distinguished, 
But  roll  into  the  sea  one  common  flood  1 

ROWE. 

Oh  speak  the  joy !  ye  whom  the  sudden  tear 
Surprises  often,  when  you  look  around, 
And  nothing  strikes  the  eye  but  sights  of  bliss, 
All  various  nature  pressing  on  the  heart, 
And  elegant  sufficiency,  content; 
Retirement,  rural  quiet,  friendship,  books, 
Ease  and  alternate  labour,  useful  life, 
Progressive  virtue,  and  approving  heaven. 
•     These  are  the  matchless  joys  of  virtuous  love ; 
And  thus  their  moments  fly. 

THOMSON. 


L 


Domestic  happiness,  thou  only  bliss 
Of  paradise  that  has  survived  the  fall ! 


COW  PER. 


128 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


IVE  OAK.  Quercus  vircns.  Class  21, 
MONCECIA.  Order :  POLYANDRIA.  The 
Live  Oak  is  found  from  37°  to  Florida,  and 
westward  to  the  mouth  of  the  Sabine  river, 
but  never  more  than  15  or  20  miles  from 
the  sea.  It  attains  the  height  of  40  or  45 
feet,  with  a  trunk  a  foot  or  two  in  diameter, 
but  is  sometimes  much  larger.  The  wood  is  the  finest  material 
we  have  for  ship-building,  is  much  stronger  and  more  durable 
than  the  White  Oak,  and,  indeed,  is  said  to  be  no  way  inferior  to 
the  European  species.  In  consequence  of  its  narrow  limits  and 
the  more  profitable  culture  of  Cotton  in  the  districts  where  it 
abounds,  its  total  extinction  is  considered  certain  at  no  distant 
day. 

LIBERTY. 

O  Liberty!  with  profitless  endeavour 
Have  I  pursued  thee,  many  a  weary  hour; 

But  thou  nor  swell'st  the  victor's  strain,  nor  ever 
Didst  breathe  thy  soul  in  forms  of  human  power. 

Alike  from  all,  howe'er  they  praise  thee, 

(Not  prayer,  nor  boastful  name  delays  thee,) 
Alike  from  Priestcraft's  harpy  minions, 

And  factious  Blasphemy's  obscener  slaves;  - 

Thou  speedest  on  thy  subtle  pinions, 
The  guide  of  homeless  winds,  and  playmate  of  the  waves  ! 
And  there  I  felt  thee!  —  on  that  sea-cliff's  verge, 

Whose  pines,  scarce  travell'd  by  the  breeze  above, 
Had  made  one  murmur  with  the  distant  surge! 
Yes,  while  I  stood  and  gazed,  my  temples  bare, 
And  shot  my  being  through  earth,  sea,  and  air, 

Possessing  all  things  with  in  tensest  love  • 

O  Liberty!  my  spirit  felt  thee  there. 

COLFRTDGE. 


The  love  of  liberty  with  life  is  given, 
\nd.  life  itself  th'  inferior  gift  of  heaven. 


DRY  DEN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


129 


,-  OBELIA.  Lobelia  Fulgens.  Class  5,  PENT- 
ANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  Of  the  ge- 
nus Lobelia  there  are  nearly  one  hundred 
species,  most  of  them  indigenous  in  Ame- 
rica, South  Africa,  and  Australasia.  One 
of  the  species  has  obtained  great  notoriety 
in  consequence  of  its  being  applied  to  the 
purposes  of  the  Thompsonian  practitioners  in  medicine. 

ARROGANCE. 

With  proud  disdain  how  she  uprears  her  stem, 

Unbending,  tall ; 
As  if  she  arrogantly,  vainly  said  — 

"What  are  ye  all, 

Pale,  paltry  buds,  that  trail  and  creep  around, 
Scarce  rising  from  the  base  and  sordid  ground) 

See  how  the  butterflies,  with  gay-plumed  wings 

On  me  alight  — 
Attracted  by  my  tow'ring,  stately  stem, 

And  colours  bright  — 

None  in  my  presence  cast  a  thought  on  you  — 
Their  homage  paid  to  me,  away  they  go." 

So  seem'd  this  gaudy  flower  to  discourse 

Unto  the  fair, 
Humble,  and  lowly  buds,  which  all  around 

Disposed  were; 

And  much  her  scorn  on  their  mean  rank  was  bent; 
Which  scorns  howe'er  brought  them  no  discontent. 

TWAMI.EY. 

He  that  is  proud  eats  up  himself.     Pride  is 

His  own  glass,  his  own  trumpet,  his  own  chronicle  ; 

And  whatever  praises  itself  but  in 

The  deed,  devours  the  deed  in  the  praise. 

SIIAKSPKARE. 


130  FLORA  S  LEXICON. 

,-  OCUST.  Robinia  pseudacacia.  Class  17, 
DIADELPHIA.  Order:  DECANDRIA.  The 
Locust  is  found  native  in  the  valleys  of  the 
Alleghanies,  and  throughout  the  Western 
States,  but  everywhere  mixed  with  the 
other  trees,  not  occupying  exclusively  the 
soil,  even  of  limited  districts.  It  is  now 
planted  about  houses  in  all  parts  of  the  Union,  as  it  has  a  rapid 
growth,  but  unfortunately  it  is  very  generally  liable  to  injury 
from  the  attacks  of  an  insect  (Callidium  flexuosum).  The  wood 
is  superior  to  that  of  most  trees  of  northern  climates.  It  is  much 
sought  for  in  naval  architecture,  and  is  substituted  for  box  by 
turners :  for  trunnels  it  is  used  almost  exclusively. 

VICISSITUDE. 

The  flower  that  smiles  to-day 

To-morrow  dies ; 
All  that  we  wish  to  stay, 

Tempts,  and  then  flies: 
What  is  this  world's  delight  1  — 
Lightning  that  mocks  the  night, 
Brief  even  as  bright. 

Virtue,  how  frail  it  is ! 

Friendship,  too  rare ! 
Love,  how  it  sells  poor  bliss 

For  proud  despair! 
But  we,  though  soon  they  fall, 
Survive  their  joy,  and  all 
Which  ours  we  call. 

Whilst  skies  are  blue  and  bright, 

Whilst  flowers  are  gay, 
Whilst  eyes  that  change  ere  night 

Make  glad  the  day; 
Whilst  yet  the  calm  hours  creep, 
Dream  thou :  —  and  from  thy  sleep 
Then  wake  to  weep!  SHELLEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


131 


ONDON  PRIDE.  Saxifraga  Umbrosa. 
Class  10,  DECANDRIA.  Order:  DIGYNIA. 
This  pretty  and  almost  universal  border 
plant,  is  a  species  of  saxifrage.  It  has  re- 
ceived the  name  also  of  none-so-pretty; 
and,  if  we  view  it  with  attention,  we  shall 
acknowledge  that  its  prettily  spotted  petals, 
which  are  painted  with  so  much  delicacy,  fully  deserve  this 
appellation.  Notwithstanding  its  beauty,  it  has  been  made  the 
emblem  of  a  light  and  frivolous  sentiment,  for  a  lover  would 
think  it  an  insult  to  his  mistress,  to  present  her  with  a  nosegay 
of  its  flowers. 

FRIVOLITY. 

Around  him  some  mysterious  circle  thrown 
Repell'd  approach  and  show'd  him  still  alone ; 
Upon  his  eye  sat  something  of  reproof, 
That  kept  at  least  frivolity  aloof. 

BYRON. 

His  sports  were  fair,  his  joyance  innocent, 
Sweet  without  sour,  and  honey  without  gall ; 
And  he  himself  seem'd  made  for  merriment, 
Merrily  masking  both  in  bower  and  hall. 

SPENSER. 

Where  is  his  son, 

The  nimble-footed,  mad-cap  prince  of  Wales, 
And  his  comrades,  that  doff'd  the  world  aside, 
And  bid  it  pass. 

SHAKSPKARE. 

To  business  that  we  love,  we  rise  betime, 
And  go  to  it  with  delight. 

SlIAKSPEARE. 

Strike  up  the  dance,  the  cava  bowl  fill  high, 
Drain  every  drop! — to-morrow  we  may  die. 

BYRON. 


132 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OTOS.  Lotus.  Class  17,  DIADELPHIA. 
Order :  DECANDRIA.  A  favourite  plant 
among  the  ancients,  who  frequently  refer 
to  it  in  their  poetry  and  mythology.  The 
definition  of  Lotos  in  the  Greek  Lexicon, 
says  Mrs.  Wirt,  is  this,  "  A  tree  whose 
fruit  is  so  sweet  that  foreigners,  having 
tasted  of  it,  forget  their  own  country" — whence  the  proverb,  to 
have  eaten  of  the  Lotos,  is  applied  to  those  who  prefer  a  foreign 
country  to  their  own. 

Its  flower  is  tho  emblem  of  estranged  love ;  its  leaf  of  recan- 
tation. 

ESTRANGED  LOVE. 

That  anxious  torture  may  I  never  feel, 

Which,  doubtful,  watches  o'er  a  wandering  heart. 

O  who  that  bitter  torment  can  reveal, 

Or  tell  the  pining  anguish  of  that  smart ! 

In  those  affections  may  I  ne'er  have  part, 

Which  easily  transferr'd  can  learn  to  rove: 

No,  dearest  Cupid!  when  I  feel  thy  dart, 

For  thy  sweet  Psyche's  sake  may  no  false  love, 

The  tenderness  I  prize  lightly  from  me  rove ! 

TlGHE. 

In  want,  and  war,  and  peril, 

Things  that  would  thrill  the  hearer's  blood  to  tell  of, 
My  heart  grew  human  when  I  thought  of  thee  — 
Imogine  would  have  shudder'd  for  my  danger  — 
Imogine  would  have  bound  my  leechless  wounds  — 
Imogine  would  have  sought  my  nameless  corse  — 
And  known  it  well  —  and  she  was  wedded  —  wedded  — 
Was  there  no  name  in  hell's  dark  catalogue 
To  brand  thee  with,  but  mine  immortal  foe's] 
And  did  I  'scape  from  war,  and  want,  and  famine, 
To  perish  by  the  falsehood  of  a  woman. 

MATURIN. 


FLORA'S 

LEXICON. 

133' 

UCERN.  Medicago  Saliva.  Class  17,  Di- 
ADELPHIA.  Order:  DECANDRIA.  Lucern 
occupies  the  same  ground  for  a  long  period, 
but  when  it  forsakes  it,  it  is  for  ever.  On 
this  account  it  has  been  made  the.  emblem 
of  life.  Nothing  is  more  charming  than  a 
field  of  lucern  in  full  flower.  It  seems 
spread  before  our  eyes  like  a  carpet  of  green  and  violet.  Cher- 
ished by  the  husbandman,  it  yields  him  an  abundant  crop  without 
much  care ;  and,  when  mowed,  it  springs  up  again.  The  cattle 
rejoice  at  its  appearance ;  it  is  a  favourite  plant  with  the  sheep; 
and  the  goat  receives  it  as  a  delicacy  ;  while  the  horse  also  eats 
it  with  avidity. 

LIFE. 

Catch  then,  O  catch  the  transient  hour, 
Improve  each  moment  as  it  flies ; 
Life's  a  short  summer  —  man  a  flower, 
He  dies  —  alas!  how  soon  he  dies! 

JOHNSON. 

Reflect  that  life  and  death,  affecting  sounds. 

Are  only  varied  modes  of  endless  being, 

Reflect  that  life,  like  every  other  blessing, 

Derives  its  value  from  its  use  alone; 

Not  for  itself  but  for  a  nobler  end 

Th'  Eternal  gave  it,  and  that  end  is  virtue. 

When  inconsistent  with  the  greater  good, 

Reason  commands  to  cast  the  less  away; 

Thus  life,  with  loss  of  wealth,  is  well  preserved, 

And  virtue  cheaply  saved  with  loss  of  life. 

JOHNSON. 

'Tis  but  a  night,  a  long  and  moonless  night; 
We  make  the  grave  our  bed,  and  then  are  gone. 

BLAIR. 

12 


134 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ADWORT,  ROCK.  Asperugo.  Class  5, 
PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This 
plant  was  esteemed  by  the  ancients  on  ac- 
count of  its  supposed  power  to  allay  anger. 
The  species  generally  are  showy  plants,  and 
of  easy  culture.  The  rock  madwort  is  very 
ornamental  early  in  the  season. 


TRANQUILLITY. 


Wilt  thou  go  far  away  from  this  dark  world  with  me, 
To  an  isle  of  our  own,  in  a  warm  sunny  sea, 
Where  summer  lives  on,  in  a  soft  genial  clime, 
And  breathes  the  rich  fragrance  of  orange  and  lime  1 

Wilt  thou  go  with  me,  love!  where  the  halcyon  hours 
Are  noiseless  as  angels,  that  move  among  flowers, 
Where  care  may  not  come  to  disturb  our  repose, 
As  the  calm  tide  of  pleasure  unsulliedly  flows? 

The  music  that  comes  on  the  citron-gale's  wing 
Shall  wake  thee  at  morn,  and  new  happiness  bnng, 
And  evening  shall  find  thee,  with  innocence  gay, 
Living  over  in  dreams  all  the  joys  of  the  day. 

The  bark  is  unmoor'd  that  shall  bear  us  away, 
And  the  fresh-blowing  breeze  only  chides  our  delay ; 
Then  haste,  ere  the  summer  of  youth  has  gone-  by, 
To  our  island  of  love  with  its  warm  sunny  sky ! 

DAWES. 

All  is  gentle :  nought 

Stirs  rudely;  but  congenial  with  the  night, 
Whatever  walks  is  gliding  like  a  spirit. 

BYRON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  135'| 


AGNOLIA,  LAUREL-LEAVED.  Magno- 
lia Grandiflora.  Class  13,  POLYANDRIA. 
Order:  POLYGYNIA.  This  is  a  splendid 
evergreen  tree,  rising,  in  its  native  country, 
to  sixty  feet  or  more,  but  with  us  scarcely 
exceeding  thirty  or  forty  feet.  The  leaves 
grow  from  eight  inches  to  one  foot  long,  in 
form  not  unlike  those  of  the  common  laurel ;  the  flowers  are 
white,  of  a  large  size,  and  emit  a  pleasant  fragrance.  The  plant 
is  not  so  hardy  as  some  other  species,  and  should  therefore  be 
planted  in  a  warm  situation. 

HIGH  SOULED. 

Set  thou  the  first  example  of  true  greatness, 
And  pity  an  infatuated  people. 
What  is't  to  thee,  that  others  do  the  wrong? 
Thou  art  thyself,  amidst  the  worst  injustice, 
That  hatred  can  heap  upon  thy  head. 
Revenge  thy  wrongs  with  magnanimity; 
Build  up  thy  virtue  higher  than  the  clouds 
That  human  passion  girts  the  good  man  with, 
And  let  perpetual  sunshine  rest  upon  it. 
Forgive  thy  country,  pity  her,  and  save ! 

DAWES. 

His  years  but  young,  but  his  experience  old  ; 
His  head  unmellow'd,  but  his  judgment  ripe ; 
And,  in  a  word,  (for  far  behind  his  worth 
Come  all  the  praises  that  I  now  bestow,) 
He  is  complete  in  feature,  and  in  mind, 
With  all  good  grace  to  grace  a  gentleman. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

He  was  not  born  to  shame: 
Upon  his  brow  shame  is  ashamed  to  sit; 
For  'tis  a  throne  where  honour  may  be  crown'd 
Sole  monarch  of  the  universal  earth. 

SHAKSPKARE. 


136 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


AIZE,  or  INDIAN  CORN.  Zea  mays.  Class 
21,  MONCECIA.  Order:  TRIANDRIA.  The 
native  country  of  this  valuable  grain  remains 
still  undetermined.  It  is  usually  attributed 
to  America,  where  it  was  cultivated  by  the 
aborigines  at  the  time  of  the  discovery ;  but 
no  botanist  has  hitherto  found  it  growing 
wild  in  any  part  of  the  new  continent ;  and  most  certainly  it 
does  not  so  exist  in  any  portion  of  the  territory  of  the  United 
States.  It  is  also  certain  that  its  culture  did  not  attract  notice 
in  Europe,  Asia,  or  the  north  of  Africa,  till  after  the  voyage  of 
Columbus. 


PLENTY. 

In  the  young  merry  time  of  spring, 

When  clover  'gins  to  burst; 
When  blue-bells  nod  within  the  wood, 

And  sweet  May  whitens  first; 
When  merle  and  mavis  sing  their  fill, 
Green  is  the  young  corn  on  the  hill. 

But  when  the  merry  spring  is  past, 

And  summer  groweth  bold, 
And  in  the  garden  and  the  field 

A  thousand  flowers  unfold ; 
Before  a  green  leaf  yet  is  sere, 
The  young  corn  shoots  into  the  ear. 

When  on  the  breath  of  autumn  breeze, 
From  pastures  dry  and  brown, 

Goes  floating,  like  an  idle  thought, 
The  fair,  white  thistle-down ; 

O,  then  what  joy  to  walk  at  will. 

Upon  the  golden  harvest-hill. 

Ho  WITT. 


f 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  137 


APLE.     Acer  Campestre.     Class  8,  OCTAN-  i 
DRIA.    Order  :  MONOGYNIA.     The  common  j 
maple  belongs  to  a  genus  containing  many  ' 
species,  of  which  it  seems  to  be  the  only 
undisputed  native.     The  sugar-maple  is  cul- 
tivated in  various  parts  of  our  country  for 
economical  purposes.      Nearly  the  entire 
['  consumption  of  sugar  in  some  of  the  inland  states  is  derived  from 
this  useful  tree. 


RESERVE.    RETIREMENT. 

Go, — pierce  yon  murky  alley,  where 

None  ever  breathed  untainted  air, 

Where  all  in  vain  the  glorious  sun 

Struggles  to  chase  the  smoke-wreaths  dun : 

Ascend  yon  broken,  winding  stair, 

Enter  that  room,  what  meets  thee  there  1 

Nay,  shrink  not  with  fastidious  pride, 

But  take  thy  stand  that  couch  beside; 

There,  though  disease,  and  want,  and  pain, 

Their  victim  bind  with  triple  chain, 

There  shalt  thou  see  earth's  noblest  sight,  - 

A  spirit  wing'd  for  heavenward  flight. 

There  Peace,  sweet  Peace,  has  found  her  way. 

And  turn'd  thick  midnight  into  day. 

Now,  hie  thee  hence,  and  dream  no  more 
Of  hermit's  cell,  and  frugal  store ; 
Of  skull,  of  maple-dish,  or  glass 
Which  marks  how  swift  the  hours  do  pass; 
But  ply  in  Duty's  path  thy  feet, 
'Tis  likeliest  there  sweet  Peace  thou 'It  meet; 
And,  if  a  lowly  heart  be  thine, 
Be  sure  she  '11  make  that  heart  her  shrine. 

ANON. 


12* 


;  138  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ARVEL  OF  PERU.     Mirabilis.     Class  5, 
PENTANDRIA.     Order:    MONOGYNIA.     This 
plant  is  called  mirabilis,  and  with  some  de- 
gree of  reason,  for  it  is  a  most  admirable 
flower ;  it  expands  its  richly  dyed  corollas 
at  night,  whence  it  has  been  named  by  the 
French,  belle-de-nuit. 
It  is  universally  considered  to  be  the  emblem  of  timidity  from 
its  shunning  the  brilliant  light  of  day,  and  only  venturing  to 
display  its  charms  in  the  cool  of  the  evening. 

The  mimosa,  or  sensitive  plant,  has  been  assigned  as  the  sym- 
bol of  chastity  and  prudery,  but  we  think  it  may  be  more  pro- 
perly used  as  the  sign  of  timidity ;  as  it  seems  to  fly  from  the 
hand  that  would   touch  it.     At  the  least  approach,  the  leaves 
shrink  within  themselves.     The  petiole  then  droops,  and  if  the 
plant  be  low,  it  touches  the  earth.     Even  a  cloud  passing  between 
it  and  the  rays  of  the  sun,  is  sufficient  to  change  the  situation 
of  its  leaves  and  the  general  aspect  of  the  plant. 
Timidity,  of  all  afraid, 
Her  wreath  of  the  mimosa  braid. 

TIMIDITY. 

Think  on  th'  insulting  scorn,  the  conscious  pangs, 
The  future  miseries  that  await  th'  apostate ; 
So  shall  timidity  assist  thy  reason, 
And  wisdom  into  virtue  turn  thy  frailty. 

JOHNSOH. 

'Solitaire  amante  des  nuits, 
Pourquoi  ces  timides  alarmes, 
Quand  ma  muse  au  jour  que  tu  fuis 
S'apprete  a  reveler  les  charrres? 

Si,  par  pudeur,  aux  indiscrets 
Tu  caches  ta  fleur  purpurme, 
En  nous  derobant  tes  attraits, 
Permets  du  moins  qu'on  les  devine." 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


139 


r 


ARYGOLD.     Calendula.     Class  19,  SYN- 
GENESIA.    Order:  POLYGAMIA  NECESSARIA. 

Madame  Lebrun,  in  one  of  her  charming!, 
pictures,  has  represented  grief  as  a  young  i 
man  pale  and  languishing ;  his  head  appears 
to  be  bowed  down  by  the  weight  of  a  gar- 
land of  marygolds.     All  the  world  knows 
this  gilded  flower,  which  has  been  made  the  emblem  of  distress 
'of  mind  ;  or  rather,  we  should  say  of  that  inquietude  which  is  : 
[  caused  by  uncertainty  as  to  the  sentiments  of  the  one  we  love 
;  with  a  peculiar  affection.     The  lover  longs  to  know  whether 
•  there  be  a  reciprocal  feeling  in  the  heart  of  his  mistress  towards 
i  himself,  or  whether  he  has  been  buoying  himself  up  with  false 
I  hope.     We  verily  believe  that  there  are  few  who  would  not  pre- 
1  fer  to  receive  the  dread  intelligence  that  his  suit  is  rejected,  than 
remain  in  this  uncertain  state. 

INQUIETUDE. 

But  be  not  long,  for  in  the  tedious  minutes, 
Exquisite  interval,  I'm  on  the  rack; 
For  sure  the  greatest  evil  man  can  know, 
Bears  no  proportion  to  the  dread  suspense. 

FROWDK. 

Uncertainty! 

Fell  demon  of  our  fears !     The  human  soul, 
That  can  support  despair,  supports  not  thee. 

MALLET. 

Our  doubts  are  traitors, 

And  make  us  lose  the  good  we  oft  might  win, 
By  fearing  to  attempt. 

SHAKSPEAHK. 

Like  a  man  to  double  business  bound, 

I  stand  in  pause  where  I  shall  first  begin, 

And  both  neglect. 

SHAKSPEARB. 


140  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


EADOW  SWEET.  Spiraa  Ulmaria.  Class 
12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Order:  PENTAGYNIA.  This 
plant,  called  by  the  PVench  "  Reine  des 
pres,"  is  deemed  an  useless  herb,  because 
herbalists  have  not  discovered  any  medical 
properties  in  it ;  and,  also,  because  animals 
reject  it  as  food.  It  is,  however,  a  highly 
ornamental  flower,  and  surely  that  ought  to  be  accounted  some- 
thing. 

USELESSNESS. 

From  worldly  cares  himself  he  did  esloin, 
And. greatly  shunned  manly  exercise; 
From  every  work  he  challenged  essoin, 
For  contemplation  sake:  yet  otherwise, 
His  life  he  led  in  lawless  riotise 
By  which  he  grew  to  grievous  malady ; 
For  in  his  lustless  limbs  through  evil  guise, 
A  shaking  fever  reign'd  continually ; 
Such  one  was  Idleness. 

SPENSER. 

Who  doth  to  sloth  his  younger  days  engage, 
For  fond  delight,  he  clips  the  wings  of  fame ; 
For  sloth,  the  canker-worm  of  honour's  badge, 
Fame's  feather'd  wings  doth  fret;  burying  the  name 
Of  virtue's  worth  in  dust  of  dunghill  shame, 
Whom  action  out  of  dust  to  light  doth  bring, 
And  makes  her  mount  to  heav'n  with  golden  wing. 

ANON. 

What  is  a  man, 

If  his  chief  good  and  market  of  his  time 
Be  but  to  sleep  and  feed]  a  beast,  no  more. 
Sure,  he  that  made  us  with  such  large  discourse, 
Looking  before  and  after,  gave  us  not 
That  capability  and  god-like  reason 
To  rust  in  us  unused. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


r 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


141 


EZEREON.  Daphne  Mfzer eon.  Class  8, 
OCTANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  The 
stem  of  this  plant  is  covered  with  a  dr7 
bark,  which  gives  it  the  appearance  of  dead 
wood.  To  hide  tUs,  nature  has  surrounded 
each  of  Its  branches  with  a  garland  of  pur- 
ple flowers,  which,  unrolled  in  spiral  form, 
and  tipped  with  &  small  tuft  01  lc>*res,  seems  to  assume 'the  form 
of  a  pine-apple. 

This  fragrant  and  much-admired  shrubbery  plant  frequently 
flourishes  towards  the  end  of  January,  appearing  as  it  we'e  in 
the  breast  of  snows,  reclad  in  its  charming  attire.  It  is  regarded 
as  the  emblem  of  an  imprudent  and  coquettish  nymph,  wnc,  in 
the  midst  of  winter,  arrays  herself  in  the  robes  of  spring. 


DESIRE  TO  PLEASE. 

Mezereon  too, 

Though  leafless,  well  attired,  and  thick  beset 
i^ith  bluslklig  wreaths,  investing  every  spray 

OOWPER. 

1'ner   in  a  KiSb  she  oreatned  her  various  arts, 
Of  trifling  prettily  with  wounded  hearts ; 
A  mind  for  love,  but  still  a  changing  mind, 
The  lisp  affected,  and  the  glance  design'd ; 
The  sweet  confusing  blush,  the  secret  wink, 
The  gentie  swimming  walk,  the  courteous  sin/.., 
The  stare  for  strangeness  fit,  for  scorn  the  frown; 
For  decent  yielding,  looks  declining  down, 
The  practised  languish,  where  well-feign'd  desire 
Would  own  its  melting  in  a  mutual  fire; 
Gay  smiles  to  comfort;  April  showers  to  move; 
And  all  the  nature,  all  the  art  of  love. 

PARNELL. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  j 

IGNONETTE.   Reseda  Odorata.   Class  11,  j| 
DODECANDRIA.      Order:   TRIGYNIA.     The 

odour  exhaled  by  this  little  flower  is  thought 
by  some  to  be  too  powerful  for  the  house ; 
but  even  those  persons,  we  presume,  must 
be  delighted  with  the  fragrance  which  it 
throws  from  the  balconies  into  the  streets 
of  the  city,  giving  something  like  a  breath  of  garden  air  to  the  j 
'  close-pent  man,'  whose  avocations  will  not  permit  a  ramble  j 
beyond  the  squares  of  the  fashionable  part  of  the  town. 

j 

I 

YOUR  QUALITIES  SURPASS  YOUR  CHARMS. 


Now  look  ye  on  the  plain  and  modest  guise 
Of  yon  unlovely  flower  —  unlovely  ?  —  no  — 
Not  beautiful,  'tis  true  —  not  touch'd  with  hues 
Like  her's  we  iate  have  gazed  on;  but  so  rich 
In  precious  fragrance  is  that  lovely  one, 
So  loved  for  her  sweet  qualities,  that  I 
Should  woo  her  first  amid  a  world  of  flowers  ; 
For  she  is  like  some  few  beloved  ones  here, 
Whom  eyes,  perchance,  might  slightingly  pass  o'er, 
But  whose  true  wisdom,  gentleness,  and  worth, 
IJnshangihg  friendship,  ever-faithful  love. 
And  countless  minor  beauties  of  the  mind, 
Attach  our  hearts  in  deep  affection  still. 

TWAMLEY. 

No  gorgeous  flowers  the  meek  reseda  grace, 
Yet  sip  with  eager  trunk  yon  busy  race 
Her  simple  cup,  nor  heed  the  dazzlirg  gem 
That  beams  in  Fritillaiia's  diadem. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


143 


ISLETOE.  Viscum  Alba.  Class  22,  DICE- 
CIA.  Order:  TETRANDRIA.  This  plant, 
especially  when  found  growing  on  the  oak, 
was  held  in  the  greatest  veneration  by  the 
Druids,  which,  having  no  attachment  to 
earth,  they  considered  to  be  of  celestial  ori- 
gin. The  utmost  solemnity  was  used  in 
the  gathering  of  it ;  it  took  place  always  at  the  close  of  the  year, 
when  the  moon  was  just  six  days  old.  Two  white  bulls,  which 
had  never  felt  the  yoke,  were  fastened  by  their  horns  to  the  for- 
tunate oak  whereon  the  misletoe  had  been  discovered  ;  a  priest, 
clad  in  a  white  vesture,  then  ascended  the  tree,  and  detached  the 
plant  with  a  golden  hook  or  bill,  whilst  others  stood  ready  to 
receive  it  in  a  white  woollen  cloth :  this  done,  they  then  prepared 
to  offer  the  best  of  their  flocks  and  herds  in  sacrifice,  "  mumbling 
many  orisons,  and  praying  devoutly  that  it  would  please  God  to 
bless  this  gift  of  his  to  the  good  and  benefit  of  all  those  to  whom 
he  had  vouchsafed  to  give  it."  Water,  in  which  it  had  been 
steeped,  they  considered  a  panacea  for  diseases  of  every  descrip- 
tion ;  hence  the  name  they  gave  it, «'  omnia  sanans,"  or  "  all-heal." 

PARASITE. 

"A  parasite!  I  would  not  be, 

For  worlds,  that  servile  thing; 
Not  royalty  itself,  from  me 
E'er  homage  won  of  heart  or  knee ; 

To  Power  I  would  not  cling 
(Like  this  vile  plant  to  oaken  bough), 
Though  it  had  kingdoms  to  bestow  !" 

'Tis  proudly  said  —  yet  pause  —  for  Power 

A  crown  not  always  wears; 
Oft  hundred-headed  (as  of  yore 
The  monster,  famed  in  classic  lore,) 

Its  Proteus-form  appears: 

And  thus  disguised  from  mortal  ken  r 

Hast  thou  ne'er  worshipped  in  its  train?        ANON. 


144  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OTHERWORT.    Leonurus.    Class  14,  Di- 
DYNAMIA.     Order:    GYMNOSPERMIA.      The 

clandestina  grows  at  the  foot  of  large  trees, 
in  moist  and  umbrageous  places.  Its  pretty 
purple  flowers  are  nearly  always  hidden 
under  moss  or  dry  leaves :  hence  the  pro- 
priety of  the  sentiment. 

CONCEALED  LOVE. 


The  secret  by  her  tongue  conceal'd, 

Her  fading  charms  declare, 
And  what  by  words  is  unreveal'd, 

Is  better  written  there; 
The  silent  tale  by  sorrow  traced, 
Of  *  young  affections  run  to  waste.' 

The  radiance  of  her  downcast  eye 

Is  shadow'd  by  a  tear, 
Faint  as  the  light  of  evening's  sky, 

That  tells  the  night  is  near;  — 
The  long,  the  moonless  night  of  rest, 

When  life  is  waning  in  its  west. 

And  seems  her  cheek,  whose  bloom  is  fled 

(So  beautiful  and  brief), 
As  if  the  white  rose  there  had  shed 

Its  frail  and  fallen  leaf; 
Which  summer's  genial  sun  and  rain 
Shall  never  wake  to  life  again. 

But  she  is  hastening  to  the  bowers 
That  bloom  in  happier  spheres ; 

Where  fond  affection's  fadeless  flowers 
Shall  not  be  nurst  by  tears; 

Where  love's  pure  flame  shall  ne'er  expire, 

Nor  kill  the  heart  that  feeds  its  fire. 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


145  .1 


OUNTAIN  ASH,  or  ROWAN  TREE.  Py-  \\ 
rus  Aucupana.  Class  12,  ICOSANDUIA.  Or- 
der: PENTAGYNIA.     The  common  appella- 
tion of  this  beautiful  tree,  the  character  of: 
its  foliage,  and  its  choice  of  situation,  have 
led  to  some  confusion  respecting  its  classi- 
fication.    Gerarda  and  Gilpin,  for  instance, 
have  considered  it  a  variety  of  the  true  ash  (Fraxinus) ;  an  error 
which  has  not  escaped  the  animadversions  of  later  botanists, 
who  all  now  concur  in  comprehending  it  in  the  genus  Pyrus. 


TALISMAN. 

One  eftbrl  more,  and  now  I  seem  to  stand 

On  proud  Helvellyn,  —  feel  around  me  blow 
The  keen,  fresh  breeze ;  or  tread  "  the  silver  strand* 

Of  the  blue  lake,  and  watch  its  gentle  flow : 
Now  pierce  the  glen  where  Ayrey's  torrent  boils, 

And  mark  the  sunbeams  dally  with  the  spray, 
Till  o'er  the  troubled  flood  an  Iris  smiles, 

As  if  to  charm  its  wrathful  mood  away; 
Or  pitying  view  each  little  flower,  bright-hued, 
Weeping  its  life  away  in  sunless  solitude. 

Now  glancing  upward  to  a  dizzy  height, 

I  see  the  rowan  fling  its  feathery  sprays 
O'er  the  cleft  rocks,  with  scarlet  fruit  so  bright, 

It  seems  a  sylvan  Iris  to  "my  gaze. 
Fairest  of  trees  that  love  the  rushing  stream, 

The  rocky  glen,  or  mountain's  shaggy  sido! 
All !  well,  methinks,  of  yore  might  Fancy  deem 

No  evil  thing  could  in  thy  presence  hide ; 
So  pure  thou  look'st,  so  fearless,  and  so  free, 
Owning  no  spells  thyself  save  beauty's  witchery. 

ANON. 


146 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OUSE-EAR,  SCORPION-GRASS.  Myo- 
sotis  Palustris.  Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  Or- 
der :  MONOGYNIA.  This  plant,  so  celebrated 
in  German  love-song,  under  the  emblem  of 
"  Vergisz  mich  nicht"  has  hence  been  made 
to  signify  "  forget  me  not,"  by  all  the  son 
net  writers  of  Europe. 
Where  time,  on  sorrow's  page  of  gloom 

Has  fix'd  its  envious  lot, 
Or  swept  the  record  from  the  tomb, 
ft  says  —  Forget-me-not." 


FORGET  ME  NOT. 

The  blue-eyed  Forget-me-Not,  beautiful  flower, 
Half-woo'd  and  half-stolen,  I  brought  from  her  bower, 
By  the  bright  river's  brink,  where  she  nestled  so  low, 
That  the  water  o'er  stem  and  o'er  leaflet  might  flow ; 
As  if,  like  Narcissus,  she  foolishly  tried 
To  gaze  on  her  own  gentle  face  in  the  tide. 

Half  inclined,  half  reluctant,  the  flower  bade  adieu 
To  the  friends  left  behind  in  the  dell  where  she  grew; 
And  a  few  shining  drops,  from  the  river-spray  flung, 
Like  tears  of  regret  on  'her  azure  eyes  hung ; 
But  I  kiss'd  them  away,  as  a  lover  had  done, 
In  joy  that  my  fair  river-beauty  I'd  won. 

TWAMLEY. 

Remember  thee  ? 

Yea,  from  the  table  of  my  memory 
I'll  wipe  away  all  trivial  fond  records, 
All  saws  of  books,  all  forms,  all  pressures  past, 
That  youth  and  observation  copied  there ; 
And  thy  commandment  all  alone  shall  live 
Within  the  book  and  volume  of  my  brain, 
Unmix'd  with  baser  matter. 

SHAKSPEARK. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  147 

- -----    |! 

YRTLE.  Myrtus.  Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA. 
Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  oak  has  ever 
been  consecrated  to  Jupiter, — the  laurel  to 
Apollo, — the  olive  to  Minerva, — and  the 
myrtle  to  Venus.  Among  the  ancients  the 
myrtle  was  a  great  favourite,  tor  its  ele- 
gance, and  its  sweet  and  glossy  evergreen 
foliage.  Its  perfumed  and  delicate  flowers  seem  destined  to 
adorn  the  fair  forehead  of  love,  and  are  said  to  have  been  made 
the  emblem  of  love,  and  dedicated  to  beauty,  when  Venus  first 
sprang  from  the  sea.  We  are  informed  by  mythological  writers 
that  when  the  fair  goddess  first  appeared  upon  the  waves,  she  ; 
was  preceded  by  the  houris  with  a  scarf  of  a  thousand  colours,  I. 
and  s.  garland  of  myrtle. 

LOVE. 

See,  rooted  in  the  earth,  her  kindly  bed, 
The  unendanger'd  myrtle,  deck'd  with  flowers, 
Before  the  threshold  stands  to  welcome  us ! 

WORDSWORTH. 

Fall,  rosy  garlands,  from  my  head  ! 

Ye  myrtle  wreaths,  your  fragrance  shed 

Around  a  younger  brow ! 

WORDSWORTH. 

In  peace,  love  tunes  the  shepherd's  reed ; 

In  war,  he  mounts  the  warrior's  steed ; 

In  halls,  in  gay  attire  is  seen ; 

In  hamlets,  dances  on  the  green ; 

Love  rules  the  court,  the  camp,  the  grove, 

And  men  below,  and  saints  above ; 

For  love  is  heaven,  and  heaven  is  love. 

SCOTT. 

Love  the  sense  of  right  and  wrong  confounds, 
Strong  love  and  proud  ambition  have  no  bounds. 

DRYDEN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ARCISSUS,  FALSE.     Narcissus  Pseudo.  \ 
Class  G,  HEXANDRIA.    Order :  MONOGYNIA. 

The  flowers  of  this  plant  very  often  fail. 
It  is  a  native  of  our  meadows,  but  is  culti- 
vated with  great  care  in  Holland,  and  ex- 
ported thence  under  the  name  of  Phoenix,  or 
Soleil  d'or.  After  tending  the  forced  plant 

with  much  care,  we  are  surprised  to  find  that  we  possess  in  it ' 

nothing  better  than  the  false  narcissus. 

i 
DELUSIVE  HOPE. 

As  rising  on  its  purple  wing 
The  insect  queen  of  eastern  spring, 
O'er  emerald  meadows  of  Kashmere, 
Invites  the  young  pursuer  near, 
And  leads  him  on  from  flower  to  flower, 
A  weary  chase  and  wasted  hour, 
Then  leaves  him,  as  it  soars  on  high, 
With  panting  heart  and  tearful  eye: 
So  beauty  lures  the  full-grown  child, 
With  hue  as  bright  and  wing  as  wild ; 
A  chase  of  idle  hopes  and  fears, 
Begun  in  folly,  closed  in  tear*?. 

BYRON. 

On  life's  gay  stage,  one  inch  above  the  grave, 
The  proud  run  up  and  down  in  quest  of  eyes ; 
The  sensual,  in  pursuit  of  something  worse ; 
The  grave,  of  gold  ;  tho  politic,  of  power; 
And  all,  of  ..other  butterflies,  as  vain. 

YOUNG. 

How  must  a  spirit,  late  escaped  from  earth, 
The  truth  of  things  new  blazing  in  its  eyo, 
Look  back,  astonish'd,  on  the  ways  of  men, 
Whose  lives'  whole  drift  is  to  forget  their 

YOVNT:.  . 


r 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


149 


ARCISSUS.      Narcissus   Poeticus.     Class 
6,  HEXANDRIA.    Order :  MONOGYNIA.    The 

poet's  narcissus  exhales  a  very  agreeable 
perfume  ;  it  bears  a  golden  crown  in  1 1 
centre  of  its  pure  white  petals,  which  ex- 
pand quite  flat,  the  stem  slightly  inclining 
to  one  side.  The  cup  or  nectary  in  the 
centre,  which  is  very  short,  is  frequently  bordered  with  a  bright 
purple  circle,  and  sometimes  the  nectary  is  edged  with  crimson. 
Ovid,  in  his  Metamorphoses,  tells  us  of  the  fate  of  the  lovely 
and  coy  Narcissus.  A  thousand  nymphs  loved  the  handsome 
youth,  but  suffered  the  pains  of  unrequited  love.  Viewing  him- 
self in  the  crystal  fount,  he  became  enamoured  of  his  own  image. 


EGOTISM. 

How  beautiful  art  thou,  my  winter  Flower ! 
Lifting  with  graceful  pride  thy  stately  head, 
Heavy  with  its  rich  crown  of  pearl  and  gold:  — 
Thou  sheddest  on  the  air  such  soft  perfume, 
That  I  could  deem  't  was  incense,  gently  flung 
Before  thy  beauty's  shrine  by  some  fair  sprite 
Enamour'd  of  thy  maiden  loveliness. 
The  hyacinth  and  violet  entwined 
Have  scarce  so  sweet  an  odour. 

Thanks,  my  Flower, 
My  gentle,  kind  companion  —  for  to  me 
Thy  silence  is  most  eloquent: — I  love 
Thy  quiet  steadfast  gaze,  as,  o'er  my  desk, 
The  long  day  through  thou  hast  seem'd  watching  mo. 
And  ever  and'  anon,  in  glancing  up, 
I  still  have  met  thy  calm  unchanging  look 
Reminding  me,  in  silence,  of  the  friend 
Whose  gift  thou  wert  to  me. 

TWAMLEY. 


F  L  O  R  A '  S    L  E  X  I  C  O  N  . 

^       | 

IGHT  BLOOMING  CEREUS.  Cactus ' 
Grandiflorus.  Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Or- 
der: MOJJOGYNIA.  The  night-flowering  Ge- 
reus,  or  Cactus  grandiflorus,  is  one  of  our 
most  splendid  hot-house  plants,  and  is  a  na- 
tive of  Jamaica  and  some  other  of  the  West 
India  Islands.  Its  stem  is  creeping,  and 
thickly  set  with  spines.  The  flower  is  white,  and  very  large, 
sometimes  nearly  a  foot  in  diameter.  The  most  remarkable  cir- 
cumstance with  regard  to  the  flower,  is  the  short  time  which  it 
takes  to  expand,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  it  decays.  It  begins 
to  open  late  in  the  evening,  flourishes  for  an  hour  or  two,  then 
begins  to  droop,  and  before  morning  is  completely  dead. 

TRANSIENT  BEAUTY. 

Now  departs  day's   garish  light  — 

Beauteous  flower,  lift  thy  head  ! 
Rise  upon  the  brow  of  night ! 

Haste,  thy  transient  lustre  shed ! 

Night  has  dropp'd  her  dusky  veil  — 

All  vain  thoughts  be  distant  far, 
While,  with  silent  awe,  we  hail 

Flora's  radiant  evening  star. 

Sec  to  life  her  beauties  start ; 

Hail !  thou  glorious,  matchless  flower ! 
Much  thou  sayest  to  the  heart, 

In  the  solemn,  fleeting  hour. 

Ere  we  have  our  homage  paid, 

Thou  wilt  bow  thine  head  and  die ; 

Thus  our  sweetest  pleasures  fade, 
Thus  our  brightest  blessings  fly. 

Sorrow's  rugged  stem,  like  thine, 
Bears  a  flower  thus  purely  bright; 

Thus,  when  sunny  hours  decline, 
Friendship  sheds  her  cheering  light.  ASON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  151 


AK.    Quercus.    Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.    Or-! 
der:  POLYANDRIA.     The  ancients  believed  i 
that  the  oak,  created  with  the  earth,  offered 
food  and  shelter  to  the  first  parents  of  our 
kind.     This  tree  is  said  to  have  shaded  the 
cradle  of  Jupiter,  to  whom  it  was  conse-  | 
crated,  after  his  birth,  upon  Mount  Lycseus,  !| 
j  in  Arcadia.     The  oaken  crown  was  less  esteemed  -by  the  Greeks 

than  the  crown  of  gold  ;  but  the  Romans  considered  it  the  most 

desirable  of  all  rewards. 

HOSPITALITY 

Proud  monarch  of  the  forest ! 

That  once,  a  sapling  bough, 
Didst  quail  far  more  at  evening's  breath 

Than  at  the  tempest  now, 
Strange  scenes  have  pass'd,  long  ages  roll'd 

Since  first  upon  thy  stem, 
Then  weak  as  osier  twig,  Spring  set 

Her  leafy  diadem. 

To  thee  but  little  recks  it 

What  seasons  come  or  go, 
Thou  lovest  to  breathe  the  gale  of  spring 

And  bask  in  summer's  glow, 
But  more  to  feel  the  wintry  winds 

Sweep  by  in  awful  mirth, 
For  well  thou  know'st  each  blast  will  fix 

Thy  roots  more  deep  in  earth. 

Would  that  to  me  life's  changes 

Did  thus  with  blessings  come  ! 
That  mercies  might,  like  gale  of  spring, 

Cause  some  new  grace  to  bloom  ! 
And  that  the  storm  which  scattereth 

Each  earth-born  hope  abroad, 
Might  anchor  those  of  holier  birth 

More  firmly  on  my  God !  ANON. 


!'152  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


LIVE.  Olea.  Class  2,  DIANDRIA.  Order: 
MONOGYNIA.  This  tree  has  been  celebrated 
in  all  ages  as  the  bounteous  gift  of  heaven, 
and  as  the  emblem  of  peace  and  plenty. 
Peace — wisdom — concord — clemency — joy 
— and  the  graces  have  ever  been  crowned 
with  olive. 

The  dove  sent  out  of  the  ark  by  Noah  to  ascertain  if  the  wa- 
ters were  assuaged,  returned  bearing  a  branch  of  olive  as  a  sym- 
bol of  that  rest  which  heaven  was  about  to  restore  to  the  earth. 

PEACE. 

Sweet  Teviot!   on  thy  silver  tide 

The  glaring  bale-fires  blaze  no  more ; 
No  longer  steel-clad  warriors  ride 

Along  thy  wild  and  willow'd  shore; 
Where'er  thou  wind'st  by  dale  or  hill 
All,  all  is  peaceful,  all  is  still, 

As  if  thy  waves,  since  Time  was  born, 
Since  first  they  roll'd  upon  the  Tweed, 
Had  only  heard  the  Shepherd's  reed, 

Nor  started ,  at  the  bugle-horn. 

SCOTT. 

To  thee  the  heavens,  in  thy  nativity, 
Adjudged  an  olive  branch,  and  laurel  crown, 
As  likely  to  be  blest  in  peace  and  war. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Now  no  more  the  drum 

Provokes  to  arms,  or  trumpet's  clangour  shrill 
Affrights  the  wives,  or  chills  the  virgin's  blood; 
But  joy  and  pleasure  open  to  the  view 
Uninterrupted ! 

PHILIPS. 

In  peace  there's  nothing  so  becomes  a  man, 
As  modest  stillness  and  humility. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S     T.P.  YTPniV  153 


RANGE-TREE.  Citrus  Aurantium.  Class 
18,  POLYADELPHIA.  Order:  ICOSANDRIA. 
This  is  a  very  ancient  genus,  and  combines ! 
many  excellencies  in  its  species ;  it  is  a  j 
handsome  evergreen ;  it  has  most  odoriferous 
flowers,  and  brilliant,  fragrant,  and  delicious 
fruits.  Loudon  observes,  that  "it  is  one 
of  the  most  striking  of  fruit-bearing  trees,  and  must  have  attracted 
the  notice  of  aboriginal  man  long  before  other  fruits  of  less  bril- 
liancy, but  of  more  nutriment  or  flavour.  The  golden  apples  of 
the  heathens,  and  forbidden  fruit  of  the  Jews,  are  supposed  to 
allude  to  this  family,  though  it  is  remarkable  that  we  have  no 
authentic  records  of  any  species  of  citrus  having  been  known ; 
certainly  none  were  cultivated  by  the  Romans."  In  the  latter 
part  of  the  seventeenth  century  it  was  a  very  fashionable  tree  in 
conservatories,  where  few  feotics  of  other  sorts  were  at  that 
time  to  be  found.  It  has  been  likened  to  a  generous  friend,  who 
is  ever  loading  us  with  favours. 

GENEROSITY. 

Ah,  sweet  cousin  Blanche,  let's  see 
What's  the  flower  resembling  thee! 
With  those  dove-like  eyes  of  thine, 
And  thy  fair  hair's  silken  twine; 
With  thy  low,  broad  forehead,  white 
As  marble,  and  as  purely  bright; 
With  thy  rnouth  so  calm  and  sweet, 
And  thy  dainty  hands  and  feet; 
What's  the  flower  most  like  thee  1 
Blossom  of  the.  orange-tree  ! 

Ho  WITT. 

O,  my  good  lord,  the  world  is  but  a  word ; 
Were  it  all  yours,  to  give  it  in  a  breath, 
How  quickly  were  it  gone! 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ALM.     Palma.     Class  21,  MON<ECIA.     Or- 
der: HEXANDRIA.      Whatever   praise  may 
be  awarded  to  the  bay,  there  are  few  but 
will  be  disposed  to  give  yet  higher  honour 
to  the  palm.     Like  its  classic  associate  (with  II 
which  it  was  often  blended),  it  was  eonsi-L 
dered  an  appropriate  meed  for  the  victor,  batVj 
more  generally  it  was  reserved  for  religious  triumphs ;  and  from  |, 
this,  as  well  as  from   the  prominent  place  it  occupies  in  Holy  ij 
Writ,  we  feel  the  epithet  of  "  celestial  palm,"  bestowed  on  it  by  h 
Pope,  not  inapplicable. 

VICTORY. 

But  there  is  a  fame  shall  last, 
When  earth's  flitting  gfory's  past, 
And  a  branch  no  adverse  blast 
Shall  destroy. 

'Tis,  like  bay,  the  victor's  meed; 

But  it  decks  not  poet's  grave, 
Nor  the  warrior's  martial  deed, 

No — 'tis  only  seen  to  wave 
Where  the  martyr's  honour'd  dust  doth  repose, 
Or  his,  who  broke  the  gloom 
Long  of  pagan  lands  the  doom, 
And  made  "the  desert  bloom 
As  the  rose." 

But  where 's  the  power  of  thought 

Which  may  pierce  those  scenes  sublirnp. 
When  the  Christian's  fight  is  fought, 

And  o'er  Sin,  and  Death,  and  Time, 
Through  heaven-imparted  might,  he  hath  won 
When  he  joins  the  glorious  band 
Who  as  crowned  victors  stand, 
With  palm-branch  in  his  hand, 
Round  the  throne  7 

ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  155 

ASSIGN  FLOWER.     Passiflora.     Class  5, 
PENTANDRIA.   Order :  TRIGYNIA.   The  Mu- 
rucuia  of  the  western  world  was  no  sooner 
seen  in  Italy,  than  fanciful  devotion  found 
a  mysterious  representation  of  the  passion 
of  Christ  in  this  flower,  and  it  received  the 
sanctimonious  titles  of  Flos  Passionis  and 
Christi  Passionis  Imago,  from  which  our  name  of  passion  flower 
j  is  derived,  and  the  emblem  formed. 

PASSIONATE  LOVE.    RELIGIOUS  SUPERSTITION. 

Well  art  thou  named  —  thou  warm-hued  Passion  Flower, 

Fit  emblem  of  the  ardour  and  caprice 

Of  that  wild  passion,  Love:  —  for  thou  dost  change, 

Even  like  him,  thy  semblance;  and  thou  art  coy, 

Ay,  as  the  fairest  maiden  whose  young  heart 

Thy  namesake  hath  invaded.     Coy,  and  proud, 

For  thou,  forsooth,  must  have  the  bright  sun  come, 

And  wait,  and  gaze  upon  thy  sleeping  face, 

Before  thou  wilt  vouchsafe  to  ope  thine  eyes 

Of  starry  beauty  to  our  wondering  gaze. 

And  then,  ere  long,  the  jealous  petals  close, 

And  shut  within  their  selfish  clasp  the  gem 

They  darken,  not  admire.     And  are  there  not 

Some  other  selfish  things  in  this  strange  world, 

That  do  the  like  with  flowers  of  lovelier  growth  ? 

TWAMLEY. 

At  rosy  morn,  or  evening's  silent  hour, 
Some  fair  enthusiast  views  the  sainted  flower, 
When  lo!  to  rapt  imagination's  eye, 
Springs  the  sad  scene  of  darken'd  Calvary  ! 
The  thorny  crown  the  heavenly  brows  around, 
The  scourging  thorns,  the  galling  cords  that  bound, 
And  nails  that  piercea  with  agonizing  wound. 

SHAW. 


156  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ERIWINKLE,  BLUE.  Vinca  Minor.  Class  jj 
5,  PENTANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  There 
is  an  agreeable  softness  in  the  delicate  blue 
colour  of  the  periwinkle,  and  a  quietness  in 
the  general  aspect  of  the  flower,  that  ap- 
pears to  harmonize  with  the  retired  situa- 
tions where  it  loves  to  grow.  It  prefers  the 
shady  banks  of  the  grove  rather  than  to  meet  the  meridian  sun 
in  the  society  of  the  gay  plants  of  the  parterre. 

In  France  the  flower  has  been  made  emblematical  of  the  plea- 
sures of  memory,  from  the  circumstance  of  Rousseau's  saying,  in 
one  of  his  works,  that  as  he  and  Madame  Warens  were  proceed- 
|  ing  to  Charmettes,  she  was  struck  by  the  appearance  of  some 
1  blue  flowers  in  the  hedge,  and  exclaimed,  "  Here  is  the  periwin- 
I  kle  still  in  flower."     He  then  tells  us,  that  thirty  years  after- 
I  wards,  being  at  Gressier,  with  M.  Peyron,  climbing  a  hill,   he 
: observed  some  in  blossom  among  the  bushes,  which  bore  his  me-  j 
;  Miorv  back  at  once  to  the  time  when  he  was  walking  with  Ma- ! 
•flume  Warens,  and  he  inadvertently  cried,  "Ah!  there  is  the  j 
jH'riwinkle."     Rousseau  relates  this  anecdote  as  a  proof  of  the  j 
j:  vivid  recollection  he  had  of  every  incident  which  occurred  at  a  ; 
particular  time  of  his  life,  and  hence  this  flower  is  made  to  repre- 
sent "  Les  doux  Souvenirs" 


SWEKT  REMEMBRANCES. 

Though  fate  upon  this  faded  flower 
His  withering  hand  has  laid, 

Its  odour'd  breath  defies  his  power, 
Its  sweets  are  undecay'd. 

And  thus,  although  thy  warbled  strains 

No  longer  wildly  thrill, 
The  memory  of  the  song  remains, 

Its  soul  is  with  me  still. 

DRAKE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  157 


ERSICARIA.  Polygonwn  Oriental.  Class 
8,  OCTANDRIA.  Order:  DIGYNIA.  The 
seeds  of  this  Asiatic  plant  were  procured 
by  M.  Tournefort,  from  the  garden  of  the 
three  Churches  near  Mount  Ararat,  the  spot 
on  which  the  ark  is  supposed  to  have  rested, 
from  whence  it  is  selected  for  the  emblem 

of  restoration. 

Behold  the  different  climes  agree, 
Rejoicing  in  thy  restoration.  DRYDEN. 

RESTORATION. 

Yet  it  is  not  that  age  on  my  years  has  descended  — 

'T  is  not  that  its  snow-wreaths  encircled  my  brow ; 
But  the  newness  and  sweetness  of  Being  are  ended  — 

I  feel  not  their  love-kindling  witchery  now  : 
The  shadows  of  death  o'er  my  path  have  been  sweeping  — 

There  are  those  who  have  loved  me,  debarr'd  from  the  day, 
The  green  turf  is  bright  where  in  peace  they  are  sleeping, 

And  on  wings  of  remembrance  my  soul  is  away. 

It  is  shut  to  the  glow  of  this  present  existence  — 

It  hears,  from  the  Past,  a  funereal  strain  ; 
And  it  eagerly  turns  to  the  high-seeming  distance, 

Where  the  last  blooms  of  earth  will  be  garner'd  again  ; 
Where  no  mildew  the  soft  damask-rose  cheek  shall  nourish, 

Where  Grief  bears  no  longer  the  poisonous  sting ; 
Where  pitiless  Death  no  dark  sceptre  can  flourish, 

Or  stain  with  his  blight  the  luxuriant  spring. 

It  is  thus,  that  the  hopes,  which  to  others  are  given, 

Fall  cold  on  my  heart  in  this  rich  month  of  May ; 
I  hear  the  clear  anthems  which  ring  through  the  heaven  -- 

I  drink  the  bland  airs  that  enliven  the  day;  r 

And  if  gentle  Nature,  her  festival  keeping, 

Delights  not  my  bosom,  ah  !  do  not  condemn  ; 
O'er  the  lost  and  the  lovely  my  spirit  is  weeping, 

For  the  heart's  fondest  raptures  are  buried  with  them. 

CLARK. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ERSIMON.  Diospyrus  Virginiana.  Class. 
23,  POLYGAMIA.  Order:  DKECIA.  The 
Persimon,  of  the  same  genus  as  the  Ebony, 
is  a  middling-sized  tree,  common  in  all  parts 
of  the  United  States  south  of  lat  41°.  The 
fruit  which  is  as  large  as  a  Plum,  is  very 
sweet  when  touched  by  the  frosts,  and  fre- 
quently makes  its  appearance  in  our  markets.  An  agreeable 
beverage  is  also  obtained  from  it  in  some  districts,  by  fermenta- 
tion. The  wood  is  used  at  Baltimore  by  turners,  for  large  screws, 
j  and  by  tin-workers,  for  mallets;  and  at  Philadelphia,  for  shoe- 
lasts  ;  but  though  a  common  tree,  it  is  usually  of  inconsiderable 
dimensions. 

BURY  ME  AMID  NATURE'S  BEAUTIES. 

In  the  wild  forest-shade, 
Under  some  spreading  oak,  or  waving  pine, 
Or  old  elm,  festoon'd  with  the  gadding  vine, 

Let  me  be  laid. 

In  this  dim,  lonely  grot, 
No  foot,  intrusive,  will  disturb  my  dust ; 
But  o'er  me  songs  of  the  wild  bird  shall  burst  — 

Cheering  the  spot. 

Not  amidst  charnel  stones, 

Or  coffins  dark,  and  thick  with  ancient  mould  — 
With  tatter'd  pall,  and  fringe  of  canker'd  gold, 

May  rest  my  bones. 

But  let  the  dewy  rose, 

The  snow-drop,  and  the  violet,  lend  perfume 
Above  the  spot,  where,  in  my  grassy  tomb, 

I  take  repose. 

Birds  from  the  distant  sea, 
Shall  sometimes  hither  flock  on  snowy  wings, 
And  soar  above  my  dust  in  airy  rings, 

Singing  a  dirge  to  me !  ANON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  159 


IMPERNEL.  Anagallis  Arvensis.  Class 
5,  PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The 
common  pimpernel  is  a  beautiful  trailing 
weed,  and  one  of  the  Florce  Horologies, 
opening  its  flowers  regularly  about  eight 
minutes  past  seven  o'clock,  and  closing  them 
about  three  minutes  past  two  o'clock.  It 
serves,  also,  as  an  hygrometer ;  for,  if  rain  fall,  or  there  be  much 
moisture  in  the  atmosphere,  the  flowers  either  do  not  open,  or 
close  up  again.  It  is  frequently  called  the  shepherd's  weather- 
glass. 

ASSIGNATION. 
Closed  is  the  pink-eyed  pimperne., 


'Twill  surely  rain,  I  see,  with  sorrow, 

Our  jaunt  must  be  put  off  to-morrow. 

JENNER. 

"I'll  go  and  peep  at  the  Pimpernel, 
And  see  if  she  think  the  clouds  look  well ; 

For  if  the  sun  shine, 

And  'tis  like  to  be  fine, 

I  shall  go  to  the  fair, 

For  my  sweetheart  is  there: 

So,  Pimpernel,  what  bode  the  clouds  and  the  sky  1 
If  fair  weather,  no  maiden  so  merry  as  I." 

Now  the  Pimpernel-flower  had  folded  up 
Her  little  gold  star  in  her  coral  cup, 

And  unto  the  maid 

Thus  her  warning  said: 

"  Though  the  sun  smile  down, 

There's  a  gathering  frown 
O'er  the  chequer'd  blue  of  the  clouded  shy  ; 
So  tarry  at  home,  for  a  storm  is  nigh." 

TwAMLEY. 


•:=e- 


160  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

INE  APPLE.     Bromelia  Ananas.     Class  6, 
HEXANDRIA.      Order:    MONOGYNIA.      The 
fruit  of  the  pine  apple,  surrounded  by  its 
beautiful  leaves,  and  surmounted  by  a  crown 
in  which  the  germ  of  a  plant  is  concealed, 
seems  as  though  it  were  sculptured  in  massy 
gold.     It  is  so  beautiful  that  it  appears  to 
•be  made  to  please  the  eyes ;  so  delicious  that  it  unites  the  vari- 
ous flavours  of  our  best  fruits ;  and  so  odoriferous  that  we  should 
I  cultivate  it  if  it  were  only  for  its  perfume. 

YOU  ARE  PERFECT. 

Never  till  now  —  never  till  now,  O  queen 

And  wonder  of  the  enchanted  world  of  sound  ! 

Never  till  now  was  such  bright  creature  seen, 
Startling  to  transport  all  the  regions  round  !  — 

Whence  comest  thou — with  those  eyes  and  that  fine  mien, 
Thou  sweet,  sweet  singer!     Like  an  angel  found 

Mourning  alone,  thou  seem'st  (thy  mates  ail  fled), 

A  star  'mongst  clouds,  —  a  spirit  'midst  the  dead  ! 

Melodious  thoughts  hang  round  thee:  —  Sorrow  sings 
Perpetual  sweetness  near,  —  divine  despair! 

Thou  speak'st,  —  and  music,  with  her  thousand  strings, 
Gives  golden  answers  from  the  haunted  air ! 

Thou  movest,  —  and  'round  thee  Grace  her  beauty  flings ! 
Thou  look'st,  —  and  Love  is  born !  Oh !  songstress  rare, 

Lives  there  on  earth  a  power  like  that  which  lies 

In  those  resistless  tones,  —  in  those  dark  eyes  1 — 

Oh,  I  have  lived  —  how  long !  —  with  one  deep  treasure  — 

One  fountain  of  delight  unlock'd,  unknown  ; 
But  thou,  the  prophetess  of  my  new  pleasure, 

Hast  come  at  last,  aud  struck  my  heart  of  stone : 
And  now  outgushes  without  stint  or  measure 

The  endless  rapture,  —  and  in  places  lone 
I  shout  it  to  the  stars  and  winds  that  flee ; 

And  then  I  think  on  all  I  owe  to  thee! 

CORNWALL. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


161 


INK.  Dianthus.  Class  10,  DEGANDRIA. 
Order:  DIGYNIA.  Cultivation  has  doubled 
the  petals  of  this  favourite  flower,  and  pro- 
cured for  it  an  infinite  variety  of  colouring, 
so  that  it  is  painted  with  a  thousand  shades, 
from  the  delicate  rose-colour  to  the  perfect 
white ;  and  from  a  deep  red  to  a  brilliant 
scarlet.  In  some  varieties  we  observe  opposite  colours  placed 
together  on  the  same  flower ;  the  pure  white  is  tipped  with  crim- 
son, and  the  rose-coloured  is  streaked  with  lively  and  brilliant 
red.  We  also  see  these  beautiful  flowers  marbled,  speckled,  and 
at  other  times  bisected  in  such  manner  that  the  deceived  eye 
leads  us  to  imagine  that  the  same  cup  contains  a  purple  flower, 
and  one  of  palest  alabaster. 

LIVELY  AND  PURE  AFFECTION. 

Each  pink  sends  forth  its  choicest  sweet, 
Aurora's  warm  embrace  to  meet. 

ROBINSON. 

True  love's  the  gift  which  God  has  given 
To  man  alone  beneath  the  heaven. 


It  is  the  secret  sympathy, 
The  silver  cord,  the  silken  tie, 
Which  heart  to  heart,  and  mind  to  mind, 
In  body  and  in  soul  can  bind. 

SCOTT. 

Now,  Ladye  —  when  a  Cavalier 

Presents  a  chequer'd  Pink, 
'T  is  time  to  ascertain,  my  dear, 

His  rent-roll  you  may  think; 
And  then  —  provided  his  estate 

Don't  meet  your  approbation, 
It  cannot,  surely,  be  too  late 

To  cut — with  a  Carnation. 

TWAMLEY. 


162  FLORA'S    LEXICON 


LANE  TREE.  Platanus.  Class  21,  MONCE- 
CIA.  Order :  POLYANDRIA.  The  plane  tree 
has  been  appropriated  as  the  symbol  of  ge- 
nius, because  the  ancient  Athenian  philoso- 
phers generally  held  their  discourses,  or  re- 
tired to  study  under  the  agreeable  shade  of 
its  wide-spreading  branches,  for  which  it 
was  greatly  esteemed  at  Athens.  Xerxes  is  said  to  have  been  so 
attracted  by  the  charms  of  a  plane  tree,  that  he  caused  his  army 
of  1,700,000  men  to  halt,  while  he  adorned  the  tree  with  all  his 
jewels,  and  with  those  of  his  concubines,  and  the  principal  lords 
of  his  court,  until  the  branches  were  loaded  with  ornaments  of 
every  kind.  He  called  it  his  mistress  and  his  goddess ;  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  that  he  was  persuaded  to  leave  the  tree  of 
which  he  had  become  so  extraordinarily  enamoured. 

GENIUS. 

Not  all  unnoticed  are  thy  forms  of  love, 
Peerless  America!  thy  mountains  rise 

With  cloudy  coronals,  and  tower  above 
The  vegetable  kingdom  to  the  skies, 

Calling  upon  thy  sons  to  gaze  with  thee, 

Starward  in  homage  of  the  Deity. 

Thy  rivers  swell  majestic  to  the  sea  — 

In  one  eternal  diapason,  pour 
Thy  cataracts,  the  hymn  of  liberty, 

Teaching  the  clouds  to  thunder,  —  on  thy  shore 
The  Tritons  dash  their  chariots,  and  tear 
The  adamantine  echoes  from  their  lair. 

Where  are  thy  bards,  America  ?    The  lyre 
Hangs  in  its  listless  solitude  too  long; 

Why  should  the  song  of  nightingales  expire, 

Because  the  rooks  are  screaming  —  raise  their  song 

And  still  the  dissonance  their  silence  brings! 

Bards  of  the  mountain  lyre,  awake  its  strings ! 

DAWES 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


163 


LUM  TREE.  Prunus  Domestica.  Class 
12, ICOSANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  Every 
year  the  plum  tree  is  covered  with  an  im- 
mense quantity  of  flowers,  but  unless  trained 
and  pruned  by  the  hand  of  an  able  gardener 
of  all  its  superfluous  wood,  it  will  only  yield 
fruit  once  in  three  years. 


KEEP  YOUR  PROMISES. 

If  this  austere  unsociable  life 

Change  not  your  offer  made  in  heat  of  blood ; 

If  frosts,  and  fasts,  hard  lodging,  and  thin  weeds, 

Nip  not  the  gaudy  blossoms  of  your  love, 

But  that  it  bear  this  trial,  and  last  love ; 

Then,  at  the  expiration  of  the  year, 

Come  challenge  me. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Here  is  my  hand  for  my  true  constancy; 
And  when  that  hour  o'erslips  me  in  the  day, 
Wherein  I  sigh  not,  Julia,  for  thy  sake, 
The  next  ensuing  hour  some  foul  mischance 
Torment  me,  for  my  love's  forgetfulness ! 

SHAKSPEARE. 

His  words  are  bonds,  his  oaths  are  oracles ; 
His  love  sincere,  his  thoughts  immaculate ; 
His  tears  pure  messengers  sent  from  his  heart; 
His  heart  as  far  from  fraud,  as  heaven  and  earth. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

God  join'd  my  heart  and  Romeo's,  thou  our  hands, 

And  ere  this  hand,  by  thee  to  Romeo  seal'd, 

Shall  be  the  label  to  another  deed, 

Or  my  true  heart  with  treacherous  revolt 

T*jrn  to  another,  this  shall  slay  them  both. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


1  164  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

OPLAR,  WHITE.     Popidus  Alba.     Class 
22,   DKECIA.      Order:    OCTANDRIA.      The 

white  poplar  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  of 
trees,  and  grows  to  the  height  of  more  than 
ninety  feet,  towering  its  superb  head  upon  a 
straight  silvered  trunk.  The  ancients  con- 
secrated it  to  time,  because  the  leaves  are 
in  continual  agitation ;  and  being  of  a  blackish  green  on  the 
upper  side,  with  a  thick  white  cotton  on  the  other ;  they  were 
supposed  to  indicate  the  alternation  of  day  and  night. 

TIME. 

Yes,  gentle  time,  thy  gradual,  healing  hand 

Hath  stolen  from  sorrow's  grasp  the  envenom'd  dart; 

Submitting  to  thy  skill,  my  passive  heart 

Feels  that  no  grief  can  thy  soft  power  withstand ; 

And  though  my  aching  breast  still  heaves  the  sigh, 

Though  oft  the  tear  swells  silent  in  mine  eye; 

Yet  the  keen  pang,  the  agony  is  gone; 

Sorrow  and  I  shall  part;  and  these  faint  throes 

Are  but  the  remnant  of  severer  woes. 

TlGHE. 

"Where  is  the  world,"  cries  Young,  "at  eighty!  Where 
The  world  in  which  a  man  was  born  T'  Alas ! 
Where  is  the  world  of  eight  years  past  1  'T  was  there  — 
I  look  for  it  —  't  is  gone,  a  globe  of  glass ! 
Crack'd,  shiver'd,  vanish'd,  scarcely  gazed  on  ere 
A  silent  change  dissolves  the  glittering  mass. 
Statesmen,  chiefs,  orators,  queens,  patriots,  kings, 
And  dandies,  all  are  gone  on  the  wind's  wings. 

BYRON. 

The  greatest  schemes  that  human  wit  can  forge, 
Or  bold  ambition  dares  to  put  in  practice, 
Depend  upon  our  husbanding  a  moment. 

ROWE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


165 


OPLAR,  BLACK.  Populus  Niger.  Class 
22,  DICECIA.  Order :  OCTANDRIA.  This 
tree  is  consecrated  to  Hercules,  who,  ac- 
cording to  the  fable  of  the  ancients,  wore  a 
crown  made  of  its  foliage  when  he  descended 
into  the  infernal  regions.  This  fable  ac- 
counts for  the  different  shades  which  the 
leaf  has  on  either  side  in  the  following  manner.  The  leaves  on 
the  side  next  the  head  of  Hercules  preserved  their  natural  colour, 
or,  some  say,  received  that  dim  and  pallid  hue  from  the  moisture 
on  his  brow ;  while  those  on  the  other  side,  being  exposed  to  the 
smoke  and  vapour  of  the  dismal  regions  he  was  visiting,  were 
tinged  with  a  darker  shade,  which  they  still  retain. 


COURAGE. 


The  poplar  is  by  great  Alcides  worn. 


VIRGIL. 


The  brave  man  seeks  not  popular  applause, 
Nor,  overpower'd  with  arms,  deserts  his  cause; 
Unshamed,  though  foil'd,  he  does  the  best  he  can, 
Force  is  of  brutes,  but  honour  is  of  man. 

DRYDEN. 

Whate'er  betides,  by  destiny  'tis  done, 
And  better  bear  like  men,  than  vainly  seek  to  shun. 

DRYDEN. 

Be  not  dismay 'd  —  fear  nurses  up  a  danger; 
And  resolution  kills  it  in  the  birth. 

PHILLIPS. 

The  human  race  are  sons  of  sorrow  born  ; 
And  each  must  have  his  portion.     Vulgnr  inimls 
Refuse  or  cranch  beneath  their  load:  the  brave 
Bear  theirs  without  repining. 

MALLET 


166  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


OPPY.  Papaver.  Class  13,  POLYANDRIA. 
Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  poppy  yields  a 
narcotic  juice  in  considerable  quantity, 
which  is  frequently  administered  to  procure 
sleep  and  relieve  pain ;  on  this  account,  it 
has  been  made  the  symbol  of  consolation. 
The  ancients,  who  regarded  sleep  as  the 

great  physician,  and  the  great  consoler  of  human  nature,  crowned 

the  god  of  sleep  with  a  wreath  of  poppies. 

CONSOLATION  OF  SLEEP. 

Man's  rich  restorative;  his  balmy  bath, 
That  supples,  lubricates,  and  keeps  in  play 
The  various  movements  of  this  nice  machine, 
Which  asks  such  frequent  periods  of  repair. 
When  tired  with  vain  rotations  of  the  day, 
Sleep  winds  us  up  for  the  succeeding  dawn; 
Fresh  we  spin  on,  till  sickness  clogs  our  wheels, 
Or  death  quite  breaks  the  spring,  and  motion  ends. 

YOUNG. 

Sleep's  dewy  wand 

Has  stroked  my  drooping  lids,  and  promises 
My  long  arrear  of  rest ;  the  downy  god 
(Wont  to  return  with  our  returning  peace) 
Will  pay,  ere  long,  and  bless  me  with  repose. 

YOUNG. 

The  noon  of  night  is  past,  and  gentle  sleep, 
Which  friendly  waits  upon  the  labour'd  hind, 
Flies  from  the  embraces  of  a  monarch's  arms ; 
The  mind  disturb'd  denies  the  body  rest. 

SLADE. 

Kind  sleep  affords 

The  only  boon  the  wretched  mind  can  feel ; 
A  momentary  respite  from  despair. 

MURPHY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


167 


RIMROSE.  Primula.  Class  5,  PENTAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  saffron 
tufts  of  the  primrose  announce  the  return  of 
spring1,  when  we  see  the  snowy  mantle  of 
retiring  winter  ornamented  with  embroidery 
of  verdure  and  of  flowers.  The  season  of 
hoar  frost  has  passed,  but  the  bright  days  of 

summer  have  not  yet  arrived.     The  period  is  emblematical  of  a 

lovely  girl  just  passing  from  childhood  to  youth. 


EARLY  YOUTH. 


By  the  soft  green  fight  in  the  woody  glade, 
On  the  banks  of  moss  where  thy  childhood  play'd, 
By  the  household  tree  through  which  thine  eye 
First  look'd  in  love  to  the  summer  sky ; 
By  the  dewy  gleam,  by  the  very  breath 
Of  the  Primrose-tufts  in  the  grass  beneath, 
Upon  thy  heart  there  is  laid  a  spell, 
Holy  and  precious  —  oh  !  guard  it  well ! 

Yes !  when  thy  heart  in  its  pride  would  stray 
From  the  first  pure  loves  of  its  youth  away ; 
When  the  sullying  breath  of  the  world  would  come 
O'er  the  flowers  it  brought  from  its  native  home ; 
Think  thou  again  of  the  woody  glade, 
,Of  the  sound  by  the  rustling  Ivy  made. 
Think  of  the  tree  at  thy  father's  door, 
And  the  kindly  spell  shall  have  power  once  more. 

TWAMLEY. 

No  smiling  knot 

Of  early  primroses,  upon  the  warm, 
Luxuriant,  southern  bank  appears,  unmark'd 
By  him. 

CARRINOTON. 


168  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


YRUS  JAPONICA.  Pyrus  Japonica.  Class 
12,  ICOSANDRIA.     Order:  TRIGYNIA.     The 

brilliant  colours  and  woody  growth  of  the 
Pyrus  Japonica  make  it  contrast  strikingly 
with  the  pale  and  fragile  snow-drop,  near 
whose  modest  bells  this  superb  native  of  Ja- 
pan may  often  be  seen.  The  buds  and  flow- 
ers of  brightest  crimson,  with  their  golden-coloured  anthers,  come 
peering  out  through  the  snow-wreaths  that  lie  lightly  upon  their 
trained  stems.  The  white  and  pink  varieties  of  the  Pyrus  Japo- 
nica are  also  very  beautiful,  but  have  not  the  rich  and  glowing 
splendour  of  the  crimson,  which,  from  its  hardiness,  is  more  wor- 
thy of  our  esteem  than  most  of  our  foreign  acquisitions,  that 
generally  require  the  shelter  of  the  green-house. 


THE  FAIRIES'  FIRE. 

Ha !  are  they  out  ? 

My  summer  friends,  the  fairies?     Surely  not; 
Yet  who  but  they  have  lit  these  tiny  fires, 
That  gleam  and  glow  amid  the  wintry  scene? 
Yes,  here  they  are,  aweary  of  the  storms, 
And  wrecking  winds,  and  pinching  frosts,  that  keep 
Within  their  darksome  prison-house  of  earth 
The  gay  and  spendthrift  flowers;  here  they  are, 
Lighting  their  ruddy  beacons  at  the  sun 
To  melt  away  the  snow.     See,  how  it  falls 
In  drops  of  crystal  from  the  glowing  spray, 
Wreathed  with  deep  crimson  buds  —  the  fairy  fires. 
And  now  that  there  is  something  bright  on  earth, 
The  clouds  are  driven  from  the  clear  blue  sky, 
And  heaven  is  bright'ning  too.     Serene  and  calm, 
The  very  air  is  hushed  into  repose, 
That  not  a  breath  may  ruffle  the  young  flowers, 
Now  gently  waking  into  life  and  light. 

TWAMLKV. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


169 


UAMOCLIT.  Ipomaa.  Class  5,  PENTAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  name 
Quamoclit  is  an  Indian  one,  used  by  the  bo- 
tanists Plumier  and  Tournefort  as  generic, 
but  by  LinnsBus  only  as  a  specific,  name  of  a 
pretty  species  of  Ipomcea,  sometimes  called 
busybody.  It  is  a  native  of  the  East  Indies. 


BUSYBODY. 

O,  he's  as  tedious 
As  is  a  tired  horse,  a  railing  wife ; 
Worse  than  a  smoky  house :  —  I  had  rather  live 
With  cheese  and  garlic,  in  a  windmill,  far, 
Than  feed  on  cates,  and  have  him  talk  to  me, 
In  any  summer-house  in  Christendom. 

SlIAKSPEARX 

This  is  a  slight  unmeritable  man, 
Meet  to  be  sent  on  errands. 


And  though  we  lay  these  honours  on  this  man, 
To  ease  ourselves  of  divers  slanderous  loads, 
He  shall  but  bear  them  as  the  ass  bears  gold,  . 
To  groan  and  sweat  under  the  business, 
Either  led  or  driven,  as  we  point  the  way ; 
And  having  brought  our  treasure  where  we  will, 
Then  we  take  down  his  load,  and  turn  him  off, 
Like  to  the  empty  ass,  to  shake  his  ears, 
And  graze  in  commons. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

A  very  superficial,  ignorant,  unweighing  feJow. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

I  am  a  feather  for  each  wind  that  blows. 

SlIAKSPEARE. 


15 


170  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


AGGED  ROBIN.  Lychnis.  Flos  Cuculi. 
ClasslO,  DECANDRIA.  Order:  PENTAGY- 
NIA.  This  flower  is  called  Ragged  Robin, 
on  account  of  the  finely-cut  and  ragged 
appearance  of  its  petals.  It  is  also  called 
Cuckoo  Flower,  because  it  makes  its  ap- 
pearance  at  the  same  time  with  that  fea- 
thery harbinger  of  summer. 

DANDY. 

A  man  of  taste  is  Robinet, 

A  dandy,  spruce  and  trim : 
Whoe'er  would  dainty  fashions  set, 

Should  go  and  look  at  him. 

Rob  scorns  to  wear  his  crimson  coat 

As  common  people  do, 
He  folds  and  fits  it  in  and  out, 

And  does  it  bravely,  too. 

Oh !  Robin  loves  to  prank  him  rare 
With  fringe,  and  flounce,  and  all; 

Till  you'd  take  him  for  a  lady  fair, 
Just  going  to  a  ball. 

Robin's  a  roguish,  merry  lad, 

He  dances  in  the  breeze, 
And  looks  up  with  a  greeting  glad 

To  the  rustling  hedge-row  trees. 

How  civilly  he  beckons  in 

The  busy  Mrs.  Bee; 
And  she  tells  her  store  of  gossiping 

O'er  his  honey  and  his  glee. 

All  joy  —  all  mirth  —  no  carking  care, 

No  worldly  woe  has  he; 
Alack!  I  wish  my  lot  it  were, 

To  live  as  happily!  TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ANUNCULUS,   ASIATIC.      Ranunculus 
Asiaticus.     Class   13,    POLYANDRIA.     Or- 
der: POLYOYNIA.     The  Asiatic  ranunculus  i 
blooms  amid  our  parterres  in  the  earliest  j 
days  of  spring,  spreading  forth  its  varied  | 
lustrous  flowers,  which,  shining  with  innu- 
'C    merable  hues,  are  radiant  with  attractions. 
No  other  plant  offers  so  rich  a  variety  of  colour  to  amateurs, 
"  from  a  black  down  to  white,  through  all  the  shades  of  reds,  yel- 
lows, browns,  and,  indeed,  excepting  blue,  every  colour  may  be 
found  in  these  gaily-painted  flowers." 


YOU  ARE  RADIANT  WITH  CHARMS. 


Light  as  the  angel-shapes  that  bless 
An  infant's  dream,  yet  not  the  less 
Rich  in  all  woman's  loveliness; — 
With  eyes  so  pure,  that  from  their  ray 
Dark  Vice  would  turn  abash'd  away, 
Blinded,  like  serpents  when  they  gaze 
Upon  the  emerald's  virgin  blaze!  — 
Yet  fill'd  with  all  youth's  sweet  desires, 
Mingling  the  meek  and  vestal  fires 
Of  other  worlds  with  all  the  bliss, 
The  fond,  weak  tenderness  of  this ! 
A  soul,  too,  more  than  half  divine, 

Where,  through  some  shades  of  earthly  feeling, 
Religion's  soflen'd  glories  shine, 

Like  light  through  summer  foliage  stealing, 
Shedding  a  glow  of  such  mild  hue, 
So  warm,  and  yet  so  shadowy  too, 
As  makes  the  very  darkness  there 
More  beautiful  than  light  elsewhere ! 

MOORE. 


—  ..  ...  _.  ,  _,  ...»- -.  ^  -~ -^  -  .. 

FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

ED  BAY.     Laurus  Carolinensis.    Class  9, 1 
/     ENNENDRIA.      Order:    MONOGYNIA.      The 


Red  Bay  grows  in  the  southern  swamps, 
beyond  lat.  37°,  and  attains  the  height  of  60 
or  70  feet,  with  the  trunk  15  or  20  inches  j 
in  diameter.     The  leaves  resemble  those  j 
of  the  Mediterranean  species,  and  like  them, ! 
may  be  employed  in  cookery      The  wood  is  of  a  beautiful  rose- 
colour,  is  strong,  fine-grained,  and  acquires  a  brilliant  polish.  \ 
Before  the  introduction  of  mahogany,  it  was  commonly  employed  j 
in  the  southern  states,  and  afforded  highly  beautiful  articles  of  jj 
furniture.  When  of  sufficient  size,  it  is  employed  in  ship-building, ,, 
and  exported  for  the  purpose  to  New- York  and  Philadelphia. 

LOVE'S  MEMORY. 

Oh,  thou,  who  art  the  fairest  of  earth's  daughters, 

Delighted  could  I  sit  a  summer's  day, 

To  drink  the  music  of  thy  lips  away, 
Gushing  their  careless  melody  as  waters, 

And  while  I  gazed  upon  thy  full  blue  eyes, 
Still  listening  to  thy  passion-kindling  songs, 

Deem  myself  happiest  of  thy  votaries. 
Thus  while  the  morning  lark  his  notes  prolongs, 

Lists  the    rapt    bard,  and  bending  to  the  skies, 
Sends  up  the  incense  of  a  grateful  heart, 

For  such  a  gleam  of  heavenly  ecstacies. 
Oh,  beautiful  in  feature,  —  as  thou  art 

More  beautiful  in  mind,  —  my  thoughts  of  thee 

Shall  live  in  Love's  undying  memory! 

DA  WES. 

We  will  revive  those  times,  and  in  our  memories 
Preserve,  and  still  keep  fresh,  like  flowers  in  water, 
Those  happier  days;  when  at  our  eyes  our  souls 
Kindled  their  mutual  fires,  their  equal  betirns 
Shot  and  return'd,  till,  link'd  and  twined  in  one, 
They  chain'd  our  hearts  together. 

DEN  II  AM. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


173 


ED  MULBERRY.      Morus  rubra.     Class  || 
21,  MONOECIA.  Order:  TETRANDRIA.     The  i 
Red  Mulberry  is  rare  in  the  Atlantic  States,  j 
but  abundant  in  the  west,  where  it  often 
exceeds  60  or  70  feet  in  height,  with  the 
trunk  two  feet  in  diameter.     The  fruit  is 
deep  red,  of  an  agreeable,  acidulous,  and 
sugary  flavour.     The  wood  is  fine-grained,  compact,  and  by  many 
is  esteemed  fully  equal  in  durability  to  the  locust;  but  the  tree 
is  less  abundant,  grows  more  slowly,  and  requires  a  richer  soil. 
It  is  used  in  ship-building  whenever  it  can  be  procured. 


WISDOM. 

O  wisdom !  if  thy  soft  control 

Can  soothe  the  sickness  of  the  soul, 

Can  bid  the  warring  passions  cease, 

And  breathe  the  calm  of  tender  peace ; 

Wisdom !  I  bless  thy  gentle  sway, 

And  ever,  ever  will  obey. 

But  if  thou  comest  with  frown  austere 

To  nurse  the  brood  of  care  and  fear ; 

To  bid  our  sweetest  passions  die, 

And  leave  us  in  their  room  a  sigh ; 

Or  if  thine  aspect  stern  have  pow'r 

To  wither  each  poor  transient  flower 

That  cheers  this  pilgrimage  of  woe, 

And  dry  the  springs  whence  hope  should  flow ; 

Wisdom,  thine  empire  I  disclaim : 

In  gloomy  shade  of  cloister  dwell, 

But  never  haunt  my  cheerful  cell. 

BARBAVLD. 

And  that  old  mulberry  that  shades  the  court 
Has  been  my  joy  from  very  childhood  up. 

WHITE. 


15* 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


OSE  BUD.  Who  can  say  whether  the 
white  rose,  or  the  red,  the  budding,  or  the 
full  blown,  has  been  most  celebrated  ]  Oft, 
indeed,  have  all  been  sung ;  and  the  rose 
bud,  from  its  grace,  and  gradually  maturing 
beauty,  has  not  been  inappropriately  made 
emblematical  of  a  young  girl. 

YOUNG  GIRL. 


The  gentle  budding  rose,  quoth  she,  behold, 
That  first  scant,  peeping  forth  with  morning  beams, 
Half  ope,  half  shut,  her  beauties  doth  unfold, 
In  its  fair  leaves,  and  less  seen,  fairer  seems ; 
And  after  spreads  them  forth,  more  fair  and  bold. 

FAIRFAX. 

A  maid  of  sixteen  years,  of  twilight  eyes, 
Deep  set  and  dark,  and  fringed  with  pencil  dyes, 
Her  forehead  not  too  high,  where  thick  black  hair, 
Comb'd  smooth  and  parted,  show'd  the  whiteness  there; 
Her  lips  of  changeless  carmine,  often  parted 
With  dimpling  smiles,  when  sweet  sensation  started 
In  thoughts  so  pure,  an  angel's  self  would  choose  them, 
Robed  in  the  blush  that  mantled  from  her  bosom  ; 
Her  form  of  rounded  symmetry,  where  art 
That  makes  so  many  beauties,  bore  no  part ; 
WTith  mind  untutor'd,  yet  so  constituted, 
She  never  spake  amiss,  nor  e'er  disputed  ; 
A  girl  like  this,  who  would  not  love  and  cherish? 
Or  having  won  her  heart,  could  leave  that  heart  to  perish  ? 

DAWES. 

The  bloom  of  opening  flowers'  unsullied  beauty, 
Softness,  and  sweetest  innocence  she  wears, 
And  looks  like  nature  in  the  world's  first  spring. 

ROWE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


175 


OSE,  HUNDRED-LEAVED.  Rosa  Cen- 
lifolia.  This  is  the  rose  with  which  paint- 
ers choose  to  represent  Love  and  Hymen  ; 
but,  why  it  is  selected  from  amongst  the 
roses  as  the  emblem  of  Grace  we  know  not, 
since  the  regularity  of  its  petals  renders  it 
less  graceful  than  several  other  roses. 


GRACE. 

EMILIA.— Of  all  flowers, 

Methinks  a  Rose  is  best. 

SERVANT. — Why,  gentle  Madam  1 

EMILIA. — It  is  the  very  emblem  of  a  maid : 

For  when  the  west  wind  courts  her  gently, 

How  modestly  she  blows,  and  paints  the  sun 

With  her  chaste  blushes  !  When  the  north  comes  near  her, 

Rude  and  impatient,  then,  like  Chastity, 

She  locks  her  beauties  in  her  bud  again, 

And  leaves  him  to  base  briars. 

BEAUMONT. 

Fair  ladies  mask'd  are  roses  in  their  bud: 
Disrnask'd,  their  damask  sweet  commixture  shown, 
Are  angels  veiling  clouds,  or  roses  blown. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Her  ivory-polish'd  front  with  seemly  cheer, 

Graced  at  the  bottom  with  a  double  bow, 

Where  all  the  Graces  in  their  throne  appear, 

Where  love  and  awful  majesty  do  grow, 

Expends  itself,  and  shows  a  field  more  clear 

Than  candid  lilies  or  the  virgin  snow; 

Her  eyes,  like  suns,  shoot  rays  more  sharp  than  darts, 

Which  wound  all  flinty  love-despising  hearts. 

PORDAGE. 


176  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 

OSE  BUD,  WHITE.     Before  the  breath  of  || 
love  animated  the  world,  all  the  roses  were 
white,   and   every  heart  was    insensible. 
Herrick  says,  that 

As  Cupid  danced  among 
The  Gods,  he  down  the  nectar  flung; 
Which  on  the  white  rose  being  shed, 
Made  it  for  ever  after  red. 

Another  poet  makes  the  rose  to  say, 

'Twas  from  Love  I  borrow'd,  too, 
My  sweet  perfume,  my  purple  hue. 

THE  HEART  THAT  KNOWS  NOT  LOVE. 

Thou,  my  love,  art  sweeter  far  than  balmy 
Incense  in  the  purple  smoke ;  pure  and 
Unspotted  as  the  cleanly  ermine,  ere 
The  hunter  sullies  her  with  his  pursuit; 
Soft  as  her  skin ;  chaste  as  th'  Arabian  bird 
That  wants  a  sex  to  woo,  or  as  the  dead, 
That  are  divorced  from  warmth,  from  objects, 
And  from  thought. 

DAVENANT. 

Oh!  she  is  colder  than  the  mountain's  snow. 
To  such  a  subtle  purity  she's  wrought, 
She's  pray'd  and  fasted  to  a  walking  thought: 
She's  an  enchanted  feast,  most  fair  to  sight, 
And  starves  the  appetite  she  does  invite ; 
Flies  from  the  touch  of  sense,  and  if  you  dare 
To  name  but  love,  she  vanishes  to  air. 

CROWN. 

In  thy  fair  brow  there's  such  a  legend  writ 
Of  chastity,  as  blinds  the  adulterous  eye-: 
Not  the  mountain  ice, 
Congeal'd  to  crystals,  is  so  frosty  chaste, 
As  thy  victorious  soul,  which  conquers  man, 
And  man's  proud  tyrant-passion. 

DRYDEN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


177 


OSE,  WILD.  The  wild,  or  common  dog- 
rose,  has  been  made  the  emblem  of  sim- 
plicity. It  forms  one  of  the  principal  flow- 
ers in  the  rustic's  bouquet. 

The  wild  rose  scents  the  summer  air, 

And  woodbines  weave  in  bowers, 
To  glad  the  swain  sojourning  there, 

And  maidens  gathering  flowers.    CLARE. 

Clemence  Isaure,  who  instituted  the  floral  games,  awarded  a 
single  rose  as  the  prize  for  eloquence. 

The  standards  of  the  houses  of  York  and  Lancaster  were 
charged   with  the  bearing  of  the   wild  rose.     This  flower  was 
also  stamped  on  the  current  coin  of  those  days. 
Thou  once  wast  doomed 
Where  civil  discord  braved  the  field, 
To  grace  the  banner  and  the  shield. 

ANON. 

SIMPLICITY. 

Ah  yes,  the  poor  man's  garden! 

It  is  great  joy  to  me, 
This  little,  precious  piece  of  ground 

Before  his  door  to  see ! 

The  rich  man  has  his  gardeners, — 

His  gardeners  young  and  old  ; 
He  never  takes  a  spade  in  hand, 

Nor  worketh  in  the  mould. 

It  is  not  with  the  poor  man  so, — 

Wealth,  servants,  he  has  none ; 
And  all  the  work  that's  done  for  him 

Must  by  himself  be  done. 

All  day  upon  some  weary  task 

He  toileth  with  good  will ; 
And  back  he  comes,  at  set  of  sun, 

His  garden-plot  to  till. 

Ho  WITT. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OSE,  SWEET-BRIAR.     Rosa  Suaveolens.  \ 
Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA.    Order :  POIAGYNIA.  > 
This  is  the  common  Sweet-Briar  of  our 
country.     The  flowers  and  the  leaves  both 
shed  a  delicious  fragrance.     It  is  a  great 
favourite  with  florists  as  well  as  poets  and 
sentimental  writers  of  all  classes. 


IMAGINATION. 

Then  Fancy  beckon'd,  and  with  smiling  mien, 

A  radiant  form  arose,  like  the  fair  Queen 

Of  Beauty :  from  her  eye  divinely  bright, 

A  richer  lustre  shot,  a  more  attractive  lig'.it. 

She  said,  "With  fairer  tints  I  can  adorn 

The  living  landscape,  fairer  than  the  morn. 

The  summer-clouds  in  shapes  romantic  rolPd, 

And  those  that  edge  the  fading  west,  like  gold ; 

The  lake  that  sleeps  in  sun-light,  yet  impress'd 

With  shades  more  sweet  than  real,  on  its  breast ; 

'Mid  baffling  stones,  beneath  a  partial  ray, 

The  small  brook  huddling  ks  uneven  way; 

The  bluey  fading  hills,  the  silvery  sea,    , 

And  every  scene  of  summer  speaks  of  me : 

But  most  I  wake  the  sweetest  wishes  warm, 

Where  the  fond  gaze  is  turn'd  on  woman's  breathing  form.'" 

So  passing  silent  through  a  myrtle  grove, 
Beauty  first  led'  him  to  the  bower  of  Love. 
A  mellow  light  through  the  dim  covert  stray'd, 
And  opening  roses  canopied  the  shade. 
Why  does  the  hurrying  pulse  unbidden  leap] 
Behold,  in  yonder  glade  the  Nymph  asleep ! 
The  heart-struck  Minstrel  hangs,  with  ling'ring  gaze, 
O'er  every  charm  his  eye  impassion'd  strays! 

BOWLES. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  179 


*  OSE,  YELLOW.  Rosa  Lutea.  Ludovico 
'  Verthema  tells  us  that,  in  the  year  1503, 
he  saw  great  quantities  of  yellow  roses  at 
Calicut,  whence  it  is  believed  that  both  the 
single  and  double  varieties  were  brought 
into  Europe  by  the  Turks,  as  Parkinson 
mentions  that  it  was  introduced  into  Eng- 
land by  one  Master  Nicholas  Lete,  a  worthy  merchant  of  Lon- 
don, and  a  great  lover  of  flowers,  from  Constantinople,  which 
was  first  brought  thither  from  Syria.  It  perished  with  Lete,  but 
afterwards  others  were  transmitted  to  Master  John  do  Frangue- 
ville,  also  a  merchant  of  London,  and  a  great  lover  of  all  rare 
plants,  as  well  as  flowers,  from  which  are  sprung  the  many  varie- 
ties now  flourishing  in  England. 

It  is  well  known  that  yellow  is  the  colour  of  infidelity.  The 
yellow  rose  also  seems  to  appertain  to  the  unfaithful  in  love  or 
friendship.  Water  injures  it ;  the  sun  scorches  it ;  and  this 
scentless  flower,  which  profits  neither  by  attention  nor  liberty, 
seems  only  to  prosper  when  under  restraint.  When  we  wish  to 
see  the  in  in  their  full  brilliancy,  it  is  necessary  to  incline  the 
buds  towards  the  earth,  and  keep  them  in  that  position  by  force. 

INFIDELITY. 

Take  back  the  sigh,  thy  lips  of  art 
In  passion's  moment  breathed  to  me; 
Yet,  no  —  it  must  not,  will  not  part, 
'T  is  now  the  life-breath  of  my  heart, 
And  has  become  too  pure  for  thee! 
Take  back  the  kiss,  that  faithless  sigh 
With  ,all  the  warmth  of  truth  imprest ; 
Yet,  no  —  the  fatal  kiss  may  lie, 
Upon  thy  lips  its  sweets  would  die, 
Or  bloom  to  make  a  rival  blest ! 
Take  back  the  vows  that,  night  and  day, 
My  heart  received,  I  thought,  from  thine ;  • 
Yet,  no  —  allow  them  still  to  stay, 
They  might  some  other  heart  betray, 
As  sweetly  as  they've  ruin'd  mine!        MOORE. 


180  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OSE,  WHITE.  The  god  of  silence  was 
represented  under  the  form  of  a  young  man, 
with  one  finger  placed  on  his  lips,  and  hold- 
ing a  white  rose  in  the  other  hand.  We 
are  told  that  Love  gave  him  this  rose  to 
secure  his  favour.  The  ancients  sculptured 
a  rose  over  the  doors  of  their  festive  halls 
to  interdict  the  guests  from  repeating  anything  that  was  spoken. 
Byron  has  rendered  it  sacred  to  the  silence  of  the  tomb.  In  the 
"  Bride  of  Abydos"  he  says  that,  o'er  the  tomb  of  Zuleika 

A  single  rose  is  shedding 

Its  lovely  lustre,  meek  and  pale  : 
It  looks  as  planted  by  despair  — 

So  white,  so  faint,  the  slightest  gale 
Might  whirl  the  leaves  on  high. 


SILENCE. 

Still-born  Silence,  thou  that  art 
Floodgate  of  the  deeper  heart ; 
Offspring  of  a  heavenly  kind ; 
Frost  o'  th'  mouth  and  thaw  o'  th'  mind; 
Secrecy's  confidant,  and  he 
That  makes  religion  mystery; 
Admiration's  speaking'st  tongue  — 
Leave  thy  desert  shades,  among 
Reverend  hermits'  hallow'd  cells, 
Where  retired'st  devotion  dwells; 
With  thy  enthusiasms  come; 
Seize  this  maid,  and  make  her  dumb. 

FLECKNOE. 

You  know  my  wishes  ever  yours  did  meet: 
If  I  be  silent,  't  is  no  more  but  fear 
That  I  should  say  too  little  when  I  speak. 

CAREW. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


181 


OSE.  Rosa.  Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Or- 
der :  POI/YGYNIA.  In  producing  this  flower, 
nature  appears  to  have  exhausted  herself 
by  her  prodigality,  in  attempting  to  create 
so  fine  a  specimen  of  freshness,  of  beauty 
in  form,  of  exquisite  perfume,  of  brilliancy 
of  colour,  and  of  grace.  The  rose  adorns 
the  whole  earth,  as  it  is  the  commonest  of  flowers.  The  same 
day  that  its  beauty  is  perfected  it  dies;  but  each  spring  restores 
it  to  us  with  renewed  freshness.  Poets  have  had  fair  opportuni- 
ties for  singing  its  praises,  yet  they  have  not  rendered  its  eulogy 
common-place,  but  its  name  alone  redeems  their  names  from  for- 
getfulness.  Emblem  of  all  ages, — interpreter  of  all  our  senti- 
ments,— the  rose  mingles  in  the  gaiety  of  our  feasts,  in  our  hap- 
piness, and  in  our  sorrows.  It  is  also  the  ornament  of  beauty, 
and  lends  its  soft  carnation  hues  to  the  blush  of  modesty.  It  is 
given  as  the  prize  of  virtue ;  and  is  the  image  of  youth,  of  inno- 
cence, and  of  pleasure.  Venus  is  said  to  feel  that  she  has  a  rival 
in  the  rose,  as  it  possesses,  like  her,  a  grace  which  is  more  lovely 
than  beauty  itself. 

BEAUTY. 

A  native  grace 

Sat  fair  proportion'd  on  her  polish'd  limbs, 
Veil'd  in  a  simple  robe,  their  best  attire, 
Beyond  the  pomp  of  dress ;  for  loveliness 
Needs  not  the  foreign  aid  of  ornament, 
But  is,  when  unadorn'd,  adorn'd  the  most; 
Thoughtless  of  beauty,  she  was  Beauty's  self, 
Recluse  amid  the  close  embowering  woods. 
As  in  the  hollow  breast  of  Apennine, 
Beneath  the  shelter  of  encircling  hills, 
A  myrtle  rises  far  from  human  eye, 
And  breathes  its  balmy  fragrance  o'er  the  wild; 
So  flourish'd,  blooming,  and  unseen  by  all, 
The  sweet  Lavinia. 

THOMSON. 


16 


'182  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


n 


OSE,  MULTIFLORA.  Rosa  Multiflora. 
Class  12,  ICOSANDRIA.  Order:  POLYGYNIA. 
A  very  beautiful  variety  of  the  rose,  and 
justly  a  favourite  among  American  florists. 
Its  multitude  of  flowers  renders  it  a  suitable 
ornament  for  the  portico  or  verandah  of  a 
country  house,  or  the  window  of  a  boudoir. 


MANY  CHARMS. 

I  know  a  spot  where  poets  fain  would  dwell, 
To  gather  flowers  and  food  for  afterthought, 

As  bees  draw  honey  from  the  rose's  cell, 

To  live  among  the  treasures  they  have  wrought; 

And  there  a  cottage  from  a  sylvan  screen, 

Sent  up  its  curling  smoke  amidst  the  green. 

Around  that  hermit-home  of  quietude, 

The  elm-trees  whisper'd  with  the  summer  air, 

And  nothing  ever  ventured  to  intrude, 

But  happy  birds  that  caroll'd  wildly  there, 

Or  honey-laden  harvesters  that  flew 

Humming  away  to  drink  the  morning  dew. 

Around  the  door  the  honey-suckle  climb'd, 
And  Multa-jlora  spread  her  countless  roses, 

And  never  minstrel  sang  nor  poet  rhymed 
Romantic  scene  where  happiness  reposes, 

Sweeter  to  sense  than  that  enchanting  dell, 

"Where  home-sick  memory  fondly  loves  to  dwell. 

ANON. 

The  bloom  of  opening  flowers'  unsullied  beauty, 
Softness,  and  sweetest  innocence  she  wears, 
And  looks  like  nature  in  the  world's  first  spring. 

ROWE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  183 


OSE,  MUSK.  This  species  of  the  rose  lacks  j 
freshness.  Its  mean  flowers  would  be  en-  j 
tirely  without  effect  if  they  cid  not  grow  in 
panicles,  containing  from  twenty  to  one  hun- 
dred or  more.  They  please  by  their  fine 
and  musky  odour,  exhaled  from  their  white 
blossoms  in  the  autumnal  months.  'T  is 
said  to  be  a  native  of  Barbary,  and  is  found  wild  in  the  hedges 
and  thickets  of  the  kingdom  of  Tunis.  This  plant  seems  full  of 
caprice.  It  languishes  suddenly  in  situations  which  at  first 
appeared  to  be  most  favourable  to  its  growth, — one  year  it  dis- 
plays innumerable  bouquets,  and  the  next  it  may  not  flower  at  all. 


CAPRICIOUS  BEAUTY. 

« 
T  is  not  the  fairest  form,  that  holds 

The  mildest,  purest  soul  within ; 
'Tis  not  the  richest  plant  that  folds 
The  sweetest  breath  of  fragrance  in; 

And  oft  within  the  rose's  bower, 
A  lurking  insect  lies  unknown, 

That  steals  the  honey  from  the  flower, 
Before  its  outward  grace  has  flown. 

Then  should  a  rude  wind  come  at  length, 
To  break  the  quiet  reigning  round, 

The  flower  that  had  the  look  of  strength, 
Falls  scarcely  heeded  to  the  ground. 

Then,  lady  T  cast  thy  pride  away, 

And  chase  those  rebel  thoughts  of  thine ; 

The  casket  may  be  bright  and  gay, 
Yet  all  within  refuse  to  shine. 

DAWES. 


184  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OSE,  MOSS.  The  elegant  moss  rose  is 
commonly  supposed  to  be  the  offspring  of 
the  Provence  rose,  though  some  consider  it 
to  belong  to  the  family  of  hundred-leaved 
roses.  It  has  ever  been  made  the  emblem 
of  perfected  joy ;  Milton  mentions  it  as 
"  without  thorn,  the  rose ;"  and  an  anony- 
mous writer  has  sung  of  it  in  that  character. 

PLEASURE  WITHOUT  ALLOY. 

Oh!  I  love  the  sweet  blooming,  the  pretty  moss  rose, 
'T  is  the  type  of  true  pleasure,  and  perfected  joy ; 

Oh!  I  envy  each  insect  that  dares  to  repose 
'Midst  its  leaves,  or  among  its  soft  beauties  to  toy. 

I  love  the  sweet  lily,  so  pure  and  so  pale, 

With  a  bosom  as  fair  as  the  new-fallen  snows; 

Her  luxuriant  odours  she  spreads  through  the  vale, 
Yet  e'en  she  must  yield  to  my  pretty  moss  rose. 

Oh !  I  love  the  gay  hearts-ease,  and  violet  blue, 

The  sun-flower  and  blue-bell,  each  flow'ret  that  blows, 

The  fir-tree,  the  pine-tree,  acacia,  and  yew, 
Yet  e'en  these  must  yield  to  my  pretty  moss  rose. 

Yes,  I  love  my  moss  rose,  for  it  ne'er  had  a  thorn, 
'Tis  the  type  of  life's  pleasures,  unmix'd  with  its  woes; 

'Tis  more  gay,  and  more  bright,  than  the  opening -morn  — 
Yes,  all  things  must  yield  to  my  pretty  moss  rose. 

ANON. 

Though  duller  thoughts  succeed, 
The  bliss  e'en  of  a  moment,  still  is  bliss. 
Thou  would'st  not  of  her  dew-drops  spoil  the  thorn, 
Because  her  glory  will  not  last  till  noon ; 
Nor  still  the  lightsome  gambols  of  the  colt, 
Whose  neck  to-morrow's  yoke  will  gall.     Fye  on't ! 
If  this  be  wise,  't  is  cruel. 

BAILLIE. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


185 


OSE,  MONTHLY.  This  plant,  so  fre- 
quently seen  clustering  round  the  cottage 
porch,  as  well  in  the  immediate  outskirts 
of  busy  smoky  towns,  as  in  the  remotest 
vales,  was  originally  brought  to  England  in 
1789.  It  was  then  thought  so  delicate  as 
to  require  the  constant  heat  of  the  stove, 
and  small  cuttings  were  sold  for  several  guineas  each.  This 
was  soon  found  not  to  be  necessary ;  and,  in  a  short  time,  almost 
every  country  casement  was  ornamented  by  this  Chinese  beauty ; 
until  the  cottagers,  wanting  means  to  purchase  flower-pots, 
planted  them  in  the  open  ground  ;  where,  persevering  in  tho 
habits  of  a  warmer  climate,  they  quickly  surpassed,  in  strength 
and  beauty,  all  the  inmates  of  the  "gardens  in  which  art  supplies 
the  fervour  and  the  force  of  Indian  skies." 

This  is  the  earliest  flowering  rose  ;  and,  in  mild  seasons,  when 
planted  against  a  wall,  will  sometimes  flower  in-the  beginning  of 
April ;  and,  being  protected  by  glass  in  autumn,  or  aided  by  arti- 
ficial heat,  may  be  continued  in  bloom  till  Christmas. 


BEAUTY  EVER  NEW. 

Hurrah  for  the  Prairie!  no  blight  on  its  breeze, 
No  mist  from  the  mountains,  no  shadow  from  trees, 
It  steals,  incense-loaded,  that  gale,  from  the  west, 
As  bees  from  the  Prairie-rose  fly  to  the  nest 

Then  fly  to  the  Prairie,  sweet  maiden,  with  me, 
The  vine  and  the  Prairie-rose  cluster  for  thee, 
And,  hailing  the  moon  in  the  prairie-propt  sky, 
The  mocking-bird  echoes  the  katy-did's  cry. 

There  is  nothing  to  cloy  in  the  wilds  of  the  West, 
Each  day  has  its  pleasure,  each  evening  its  zest, 
Our  toil  is  a  pastime,  our  rifles  afford 
The  joy  of  the  chase  and  the  food  for  the  board. 

MITCHELL. 


16* 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


OSEMARY.    Rosemarinus.    Class  2,  DIAN- 
DRIA.      Order:    MONOGYNIA.      This  shrub! 
yields  by  distillation  a  light  pale  essential ; 
oil  of  great  fragrance,  which  is  imparted  to  ! 
rectified   spirit.      It   was  formerly  recom- ! 
mended  for  strengthening  the  nervous  sys- 1 
tern,  headaches,  &c.,  as  well  as  to  strengthen  ' 
the  memory.     Rosemary  has  also  been  made  the   emblem  of 
fidelity,  and  used  accordingly,  to  be  worn  at  weddings,  and,  on 
the  same  principle,  at  funerals.     It  is  the  principal  ingredient  in 
Hungary  water,  and  is  drank  at  tea  for  headaches,  and  by  ner- 
vous persons. 

YOUR  PRESENCE  REVIVES  ME. 

Rise  from  the  dells  where  ye  first  were  born, 

From  the  tangled  beds  of  the  weed  and  thorn, 

Rise,  for  the  dews  of  the  morn  are  bright, 

And  haste  away,  with  your  eyes  of  light. 

— Should  the  green-house  patricians,  with  withering  frown, 

On  your  simple  vestments  look  haughtily  down, 

Shrink  not,  for  His  finger  your  heads  hath  bow'd 

Who  heeds  the  lowly,  and  humbles  the  proud. 

— The  tardy  spring,  and  the  chilling  sky, 

Hath  meted  your  robes  with  a  miser's  eye, 

And  check'd  the  blush  of  your  blossoms  free ; 

With  a  gentler  friend  your  home  shall  be; 

To  a  kinder  ear  you  may  tell  your  tale 

Of  the  zephyr's  kiss,  and  the  scented  vale : 

Ye  are  charmed !  ye  are  charmed !  and  your  fragrant  sigh 

Is  health  to  the  bosom  on  which  ye  die. 

SlGOURNKY. 

All  nature  fades  extinct;  and  she  alone 
Heard,  felt,  and  seen,  possesses  every  thought, 
Fills  every  sense,  and  pants  in  every  vein. 

THOMSON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


187 


\r  UE.  Rula  Graveolens.  Class  10,  DECAN- 
DRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This  plant  was 
formerly  called  Herb  of  Grace,  from  its  be- 
ing1 used  to  sprinkle  holy  water. 

"  Here  did  she  drop  a  tear ;  here  in  this  place 
I  '11  set  a  bank  of  rue,  sour  herb  of  grace." 

GRACE,  OR  PURIFICATION. 


MILTON. 


Bow  and  sue  for  grace 

With  suppliant  knee. 

Reverend  sirs, 

For  you  there's  rosemary  and  rue;  these  keep 
Seeming1  and  savour  all  the  winter  long: 
Grace  and  remembrance  be  to  you  both. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

O  momentary  grace  of  mortal  man, 

Which  we  more  hunt  for  than  the  grace  of  God, 

Who  builds  his  hope  in  air  of  your  fair  looks, 

Lives  like  a  drunken  sailor  on  a  mast; 

Ready,  with  every  nod,  to  tumble  down 

Into  the  fatal  bowels  of  the  deep. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

'Tis  ever  thus  when  favours  are  denied; 
All  had  been  granted  but  the  thing  we  beg; 
And  still  some  great  unlikely  substitute, 
Your  life,  your  souls,  your  all  of  earthly  good, 
Is  profter'd  in  the  room  of  one  small  boon. 

BAILLIE. 

No  trifle  is  so  small  as  what  obtains, 
Save  that  which  loses  favour ;  't  is  a  breath 
Which  hangs  upon  a  smile!  a  look,  a  word, 
A  frown,  the  air-built  tower  of  fortune  shakes, 
And  down  the  unsubstantial  fabric  falls. 

MORE. 


188  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


CARLET  IPOMOSA,  or  INDIAN  JAS- 
MINE. Ipomcea  Coccinea.  Class  5,  PENT- 
ANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  This  beau- 
tiful twining  plant  is  a  species  of  bindweed, 
or  something  analogous ;  like  the  convolvu- 
lus, it  requires  something  to  support  its 
light  tendrils;  and,  without  fatiguing  that 
support,  wreaths  it  with  verdure  and  flowers. 

I  ATTACH  MYSELF  TO  YOU. 

Oh!  let  me  only  breathe  the  air, 

^he  blessed  air  that's  breathed  by  thee; 
And  whether  on  its  wings  it  bear 

Healing  or  death,  't  is  sweet  to  me  ! 
There,  —  drink  my  tears,  while  yet  they  fall  — 

Would  that  my  bosom's  blood  were  balm, 
And,  —  well  thou  knowest,  —  I'd  shed  it  all 

To  give  thy  brow  one  minute's  calm. 
Nay,  turn  not  from  me  that  dear  face  — 

Am  I  not  thine  —  thy  own  loved  bride  — 
The  one,  the  chosen  one,  whose  place 

In  life  or  death  is  by  thy  side! 
Think'st  thou  that  she,  whose  only  light, 

In  this  dim  world,  from  thee  hath  shone, 
Could  bear  the  long,  the  cheerless  night, 

That  must  be  hers    when  thou  art  gonel 
That  I  can  live  and  let  thee  go, 
Who  art  my  life  itself!  — No,  no,— 
When  the  stem  dies,  the  leaf  that  grew 
Out  of  its  heart  must  perish  too  ! 
Then  turn  to  me,  my  own  love,  turn, 
Before,  like  thee,  I  fade  and  burn ; 
Cling  to  these  yet  cool  lips  and  share 
The  last  pure  life  that  lingers  there ! 

MOORE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


189 


COTCH  FIR.  Pinus  Syhestris.  Class  21, 
MONCECIA.  Order:  MONADELPHIA.  The 
Scotch  fir,  taking  all  things  into  considera- 
tion, is  esteemed  the  most  valuable  of  the 
pines.  It  is  the  only  one  indigenous  in  the 
north  and  west  of  Europe,  and  grows  abun- 
dantly in  all  the  countries  north  of  the  Bal- 
tic, to  the  seventieth  degree  of  latitude. 

ELEVATION. 

Thy  throne  a  rock !  thy  canopy  the  skies ! 
And,  circled  in  the  mountain's  dark  embrace, 
'Mid  what  stern  pomp  thy  towering  branches  rise! 
How  wild,  how  lonely  is  thy  dwelling-place ! 
In  the  rich  mead  a  God  of  love  we  trace, 
We  feel  His  bounty  in  the  sun  and  shower ; 
But  here  His  milder  glories  shun  our  gaze, 
Lost  in  the  one  dread  attribute  of  power. 
I  cannot  choose  but  wish  thou  hadst  a  fairer  bower. 

Yet  to  the  scene  thy  stately  form  doth  give 
Appropriate  grace ;  and  in  thy  mountain-hold, 
Like  flowers  with  zephyrs  "  at  the  shut  of  eve," 
Thou  with  the  storm  hast  dallied  from  of  old. 
But  stateliness  of  form  and  bearing  bold 
Are  not  thy  only  boast:  there  dwells  in  thee 
A  soft,  sweet  spell  (if  we  be  rightly  told), 
Which  waiteth  but  the  touch  of  harmony, 
To  smooth  the  brow  of  care,  and  make  e'en  sorrow  flee. 

ANON. 

He  above  the  rest 

In  shape  and  gesture  proudly  eminent 
Stood  like  a  tower;  his  form  had  not  yet  lost 
All  her  original  brightness,  nor  appear'd 
Less  than  archangel  ruin'd. 

MILTON. 


190  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


NOWDROP.  Galanthus.  Class  6,  HEX-  ] 
ANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  north 
wind  whistles,  and  the  hoar  frost  clothes  the 
verdure-despoiled  trees;  an  uniform  white 
carpet  covers  the  earth, — the  birds  withhold 
their  tuneful  song, — and  the  sealed  waters 
cease  to  murmur  as  they  roll  along ;  the 
rays  of  the  sun,  enfeebled  by  the  density  of  our  atmosphere,  shed 
a  gloomy  light  over  our  fields ;  and  the  heart  of  man  is  sad,  while 
all  nature  reposes  in  torpid  tranquillity. 

Thus  Madame  de  La  Tour  describes  the  state  of  nature,  when 
suddenly  a  delicate  flower  pierces  through  the  veil  of  snow  which 
had  concealed  it.  It  has  been  aptly  termed  by  her  countrymen 
Perce  neige,  from  the  quality  just  named ;  and  is  with  equal 
propriety  called  snow-drop  in  America. 


CONSOLATION. 

The  rose  is  for  the  nightingale, 

The  heather  for  the  lark; 
But  the  holly  greets  the  red-breast 

'Mid  winter  drear  and  dark; 
And  the  snow-drop,  waken'd  by  his  song, 

Peeps  tremblingly  forth, 
From  her  bed  of  cold  still  slumber, 

To  gaze  upon  the  earth. 
For  the  merry  voice  above  her 

Seem'd  a  herald  of  the  Spring, 
As  o'er  the  sleeping  flowers 

Blithe  robin  came  to  sing  — 
"Up,  up!  my  lady  snow-drop, 

No  longer  lie  in  bed, 
But  dance  unto  my  melody 

And  wave  your  graceful  head." 

TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


191 


PIDERWORT.  Anthericum.  Class  6,  HEX- 
ANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  This  plant 
is  generally  admitted  as  a  border  flower. 
The  French  have  called  it  Ephemerine  de 
Virginie,  because  its  flowers  fade  rapidly , 
they  have  also  made  it  the  emblem  of  tran- 
sient happiness.  The  dead  flowers  are 
quickly  succeeded  by  others,  from  April  to  the  end  of  October. 


TRANSIENT  HAPPINESS 


Sweet,  as  the  desert-fountain's  wave 
To  lips  just  cooPd  in  time  to  save. 


BYRON. 


There  comes 

For  ever  something  between  us  and  what 
We  deem  our  happiness. 

BYRON. 

All  who  joy  would  win 
Must  share  it  —  happiness  was  born  a  twin. 

BYRON. 

Like  a  frail  shadow  seen  in  maze, 
Or  some  bright  star  shot  o'er  the  ocean. 
Is  happiness,  that  meteor's  blaze, 
For  ever  fleeting  in  its  motion. 
It  plays  within  our  fancied  grasp, 
Like  a  phantasmagorean  shade, 
Pursued  e'en  to  the  latest  grasp, 
It  still  seems  hovering  in  the  glade. 
'Tis  but  like  hope,  and  hope's  at  best 
A  star  that  leads  the  weary  on, 
Still  pointing  to  the  unpossess'd, 
And  palling  that  it  beams  upon. 

ANON. 


192 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


TAR-WORT,  CATESBY'S.  Aster  Gran- 
diflorus.  Class  19,  SYNGENESIA.  Order: 
SUPERFLUA.  This  North  American  plant 
has  been  made  to  represent  afterthought, 
because  it  sends  forth  its  flowers  in  the 
month  of  November,  when  most  others  have 
disappeared. 

AFTERTHOUGHT. 


What  is  done  cannot  be  now  amended : 
Men  shall  deal  unadvisedly  sometimes, 
Which  after-hours  give  leisure  to  repent. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

The  drunkard,  after  all  his  lavish  cups, 
Is  dry,  and  then  is  sober;  so  at  length, 
When  you  awake  from  this  lascivious  dream, 
Repentance  then  will  follow,  like  the  sting 
Placed  in  the  adder's  tail. 

WEBSTER. 

Habitual  evils  change  not  on  a  sudden, 
But  many  days  must  pass,  and  many  sorrows; 
Conscious  remorse,  and  anguish  must  be  felt, 
To  curb  desire,  to  break  the  stubborn  will, 
And  work  a  second  nature  in  the  soul, 
Ere  virtue  can  resume  the  place  she  lost. 

ROWE. 

High  minds  of  native  pride  and  force, 
Most  deeply  feel  thy  pangs,  remorse ! 
Fear  for  their  scourge  mean  villains  have; 
Thou  art  the  torturer  of  the  brave. 

SCOTT. 

Some  who  offend  from  a  suspicious  nature, 
Will  afterward  such  fair  confession  make 
As  turns  e'en  the  offence  into  a  favour. 

BAILLIE. 


t  


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


193 


TRAWBERRY   TREE.     Arbutus    Unedo. 
Class  10,  DECANDRIA.   Order  :  MONOOYNIA. 

"  We  have  few  shrubs,"  says  Miss  Twam- 
ley,  in  her  *  Romance  of  Nature,'  "  which 
contribute  so  much  and  so  constantly  to  the 
adornment  of  our  gardens  and  lawns  as 
this.  Its  deep  glossy  evergreen  leaves  are 
alone  beautiful ;  but  when  in  Autumn  these  are  gemmed  with 
its  clusters  of  delicate  flowers,  and  the  richly-hued  ripening  fruit, 
(which  is  a  year  in  attaining  maturity,  and  so  appears  with  the 
succeeding  blossoms,)  I  know  few  objects  so  beautiful  as  the 
Arbutus. 

PERSEVERANCE. 

See,  like  a  Ladye  in  a  festal  garb, 

How  gaily  deck'd  she  waits  the  Christmas  time  ! 

Her  robe  of  living  emerald,  that  waves 

And,  shining,  rustles  in  the  frost-bright  air, 

Is  garlanded  with  bunches  of  small  flowers, — 

Small  bell-shaped  flowers,  each  of  an  orient  pearl 

Most  delicately  modell'd,  and  just  tinged 

With  faintest  yellow,  as  if,  lit  within, 

There  hung  a  fairy  torch  in  each  lamp-flower. 

Some  have  a  pinky  hue,  soft  as  a  shell 

Painted  by  Amphitrite's  hands;  for  they,  less  white 

Than  Lilies  where  they  ope,  blush  e'en  to  know 

That  Summer  hath  a  flower  more  pure  than  they. 

TWAMLEY. 

|! 

Revolt  is  recreant,  when  pursuit  is  brave ; 
Never  to  faint,  doth  purchase  what  we  crave. 

MACHEN. 

Perseverance  is  a  Roman  virtue, 
That  wins  each  god-like  act,  and  plucks  success 
Even  from  the  spear-proof  crest  of  rugged  danger. 

HAVARD. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


UNFLOWER.  Heliantlius  Annuus.  Class 
19,  SYNGENESIA.  Order :  TRIGYNIA.  This 
species  of  sunflower  is  a  native  of  Peru  and 
Mexico,  where  it  sometimes  grows  to  the 
enormous  height  of  twenty  feet;  and  has 
flowers  two  feet  in  breadth.  The  Helian- 
thus  Indicus,  or  Dwarf  Sunflower,  is  found 

in  Egypt.     The  remaining  species  of  this  genus,  25  in  number, 

are  all  indigenous  to  the  Western  Continent. 

LOFTY  AND  PURE  THOUGHTS. 

Where  rustic  taste  at  leisure  trimly  weaves 
The  rose  and  straggling  woodbine  to  the  eaves, 
And  on  the  crowded  spot  that  pales  enclose 
The  white  and  scarlet  daisy  rears  in  rows, 
Training  the  trailing  peas  in  clusters  neat, 
Perfuming  evening  with  a  luscious  sweet, 
And  sunflowers  planting  for  their  gilded  show, 
That  scale  the  windows'  lattice  ere  they  blow, 
And,  sweet  to  habitants  within  the  sheds, 
Peep  through  the  crystal  panes  their  golden  heads. 

CLARE. 

I  know  you  all,  and  will  awhile  uphold 
The  unyoked  humour  of  your  idleness : 
Yet  herein  will  I  imitate  the  sun ; 
Who  doth  permit  the  base  contagious  clouds 
To  smother  up  his  beauty  from  the  world, 
That,  when  he  please  again  to  be  himself, 
Being  wanted,  he  may  be  more  wonder'd  at, 
By  breaking  through  the  foul  and  ugly  mists 
Of  vapours,  that  did  seem  to  strangle  him. 

SHAKSPEARB. 

Faster  than  spring-time  showers,  comes  thought  on  thought ; 
And  not  a  thought,  but  thinks  on  dignity. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  195 


WEET  FLAG.  Acorus  Calamus.  Class 
6,  HEXANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  Lin- 
naeus considered  the  Sweet  Flags  the  only 
native  aromatic  plant  of  northern  countries. 
The  root  has  a  strong  spicy  smell,  and  when 
dried,  is  used  in  medicine  with  much  suc- 
cess. The  Turks  eat  it  as  a  sweetmeat, 
and  consider  it  preventive  of  contagion. 

FITNESS. 

It  was  the  tall,  sweet-scented  Flag, 

Lay  pictured  there  so  true, 
I  could  have  deem'd  some  Fairy  hand 

The  faithful  image  drew. 

The-  falchion-leaves,  all  long  and  sharp; 

The  stem,  like  a  tall  leaf  too, 
Except  where,  half-way  up  its  side, 

A  cone-shaped  flower-spike  grew, 

Like  a  Lady's  finger,  taper,  long, 

From  end  to  end  array'd 
In  close  scale-armour,  that  was  all 

Of  starry  flowers  made. 

If  you  could  fancy  fairy  folk 

Would  mimic  work  of  ours, 
You'd  think  their  dainty  fingers  here 

Had  wrought  mosaic  flowers. 

The  tiny  petals  neatly  form'd, 

With  geometric  skill, 
Are  each  one  so  exactly  shaped, 

Its  proper  place  to  fill. 

And  stamens,  like  fine  golden  dust, 

Spangle  the  flowrets  green; 
Aught  more  compact  or  beautiful 

Mine  eyes  have  never  seen!        TWAMLKY. 


196 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


WEET  PEA.  Lathyrus  Odoratus.  Class 
17,  DIADELPHIA.  Order :  DECANDRIA.  The 
sweet  pea  is  a  native  of  Ceylon  and  of  Si- 
cily. Its  fragrance  is  thought  to  resemble 
a  mixture  of  the  orange-flower  and  the  rose. 
It  richly  merits  the  appellation  of  sweet.  The 
form  of  the  flower  is  peculiarly  graceful. 

DEPARTURE. 


Put  by  thy  work,  dear  mother; 

Dear  mother  come  with  me, 
For  I've  found  within  the  garden, 

The  beautiful  sweet-pea ! 

And  bending  on  their  stalks,  mother, 

Are  roses  white  and  red ; 
And  pale-stemm'd  balsams  all  a-blow, 

On  every  garden-bed. 

Put  by  thy  work,  I  pray  thee, 

And  come  out,  mother  dear! 
We  used  to  buy  these  flowers, 

But  they  are  growing  here ! 

Oh,  mother!  little  Amy, 

Would  have  loved  these  flowers  to  see; 
Dost  remember  how  we  tried  to  get 

For  her  a  pink  sweet-pea  ? 

Dost  remember  how  she  loved 
Those  rose-leaves  pale  and  sere  7 

I  wish  she  had  but  lived  to  see 
The  lovely  roses  here ! 

Put  by  thy  work,  dear  mother, 

And  wipe  those  tears  away  ! 
And  come  into  the  garden 

Before  't  is  set  of  day ! 

HOWITT. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  197 


WEET  SULTAN,  or  CENTAURY.  Cen- 
taurea  Moschata.  Class  19,  SYNGENESIA. 
Order :  FRUSTRANEA.  This  honey-smelling 
flower,  from  the  Persian  fields,  as  well  as 
"  the  corn-flower  blue,"  of  our  own  arable 
lands,  is  made  the  happy  emblem  of  feli- 
city. 

Oh !   happiness  of  sweet  retired  content, 

To  be  at  once  secure  and  innocent. 

DENIIAM. 

FELICITY. 

All  the  good  we  have  rests  in  the  mind ; 
By  whose  proportions  only  we  redeem 
Our  thoughts  from  out  confusion,  and  do  find 
The  measure  of  ourselves,  and  of  our  powers: 
And  that  all  happiness  remains  confined 
Within  the  kingdom  of  this  breast  of  ours. 

DANIEL. 

That  happiness  does  the  longest  thrive, 
Where  joys  and  griefs  have  turns  alternative. 

HERRICK. 

'Tis  with  our  souls 

As  with  our  eyes,  that  after  a  long  darkness 
Are  dazzled  at  th'  approach  of  sudden  light; 
When  i'  th'  midst  of  fears  we  are  surprised 
With  unexpected  happiness;  the  first 
Degrees  of  joy  are  mere  astonishment. 

DENHAM. 

On  earth  he  first  beheld 
Our  two  first  parents,  yet  the  only  two 
Of  mankind  in  the  happy  garden  placed, 
Reaping  immortal  fruits  of  joy  and  love, 
Uninterrupted  joy  —  unrivall'd  love. 

MILTON. 


17 


198 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


WEET  WILLIAM.     Dianthus  Barbatus. 
Class   10,   DECANDRIA.     Order:  DIGYNIA. 
This  is  a  species  of  pink,  a  native  of  Ger-  - 
many.     It  is  much  cultivated  in  our  rural  jj 
gardens,  and  on  account  of  the  brilliancy  of, 
its  flowers  and  its  agreeable  fragrance  is  de-  j 
servedly  a  great  favourite  with   children,  j 

The  firmness  and  solidity  of  its  bunches  of  flowers  make  it  a 

safe  plaything  for  them. 

CHILDHOOD. 

Sporting  through  the  forest  wide; 
Playing  by  the  water-side; 
Wandering  o'er  the  heathy  fells; 
Down  within  the  woodland  dells ; 
All  among  the  mountains  wild, 
Dwelleth  many  a  little  child ! 
In  the  baron's  hall  of  pride ; 
By  the  poor  man's  dull  fireside: 
'Mid  the  mighty,  'mid  the  mean, 
Little  children  may  be  seen, 
Like  the  flowers  that  spring  up  fair, 
Bright  and  countless,  everywhere! 

In  the  far  isles  of  the  main ; 
In  the  desert's  lone  domain ; 
In  the  savage  mountain  glen, 
'Mong  the  tribes  of  swarthy  men  ; 
Wheresoe'er  a  foot  hath  gone: 
Wheresoe'er  the  sun  hath  shone 
On  a  league  of  peopled  ground, 
Little  children  may  be  found! 

Blessings  on  them!  they  in  me 

Move  a  kindly  sympathy, 

With  their  wishes,  hopes,  and  fears; 

With  their  laughter  and  their  tears; 

With  their  wonder  so  intense, 

And  their  small  experience!        How  TT. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


1991 


YCAMORE.  Acer  Pseuda-platanus.  Class 
23,  POLYGAMIA.  Order:  MONOECIA.  There 
are  two  varieties  of  the  sycamore  tree,  one 
with  broader  leaves,  and  one  of  which  the 
leaves  are  variegated.  The  timber  is  very 
close  and  compact,  easily  cut,  and  not  liable 
either  to  splinter  or  to  warp.  Sometimes  it 
is  of  uniform  colour,  and  sometimes  it  is  very  beautifully  curled 
and  mottled.  In  the  latter  state,  as  it  takes  a  fine  polish,  and 
bears  varnishing  well,  it  is  much  used  for  certain  parts  of  musical 
instruments. 


WOODLAND  BEAUTY. 

Nor  less  attractive  is  the  woodland  scene, 

Diversified  with  trees  of  every  growth, 

Alike,  yet  various.     Here  the  grey  smooth  trunks 

Of  ash,  or  lime,  or  beech,  distinctly  shine 

Within  the  twilight  of  their  distant  shades ; 

There,  lost  behind  a  rising  ground,  the  wood 

Seems  sunk,  and  shorten'd  to  its  topmost  boughs. 

No  tree  in  all  the  groves  but  has  its  charms, 

Though  each  its  hue  peculiar,  paler  some, 

And  of  a  wannish  grey ;  the  willow  such, 

And  poplar  that  with  silver  lines  his  leaf, 

And  ash,  far  stretching  his  umbrageous  arm; 

Of  deeper  green  the  elm :  and  deeper  still, 

Lord  of  the  wood,  the  long-surviving  oak. 

Some  glossy-leaved,  and  shining  in  the  sun, 

The  maple,  and  the  beech  of  oily  nuts 

Prolific,  and  the  lime  at  dewy  eve 

Diffusing  odours:  nor  unnoted  pass 

The  sycamore,  capricious  in  attire, 

Now  green,  now  tawny,  and  ere  autumn  yet 

Have  changed  the  wood,  in  scarlet  honours  bright 

COWPER. 


200 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


YRINGA,  or  MOCK  ORANGE.    Philadel-  \ 
phus.    Class  12,  IOOSANDRIA.    Order:  Mo-  i 
NOGYNIA.     This   fragrant   flower   is   made  i 
the  emblem  of  memory,  because  when  once 
we  inhale  its  penetrating  odour,  it  continues 
to  dwell  on  the  sense  for  a  considerable 
time. 

MEMORY. 


Hail,  memory  hail!  in  thy  exhaustless  mine, 
From  age  to  age  unnumber'd  treasures  shine  ! 
Thought  and  her  shadowy  brood  thy  call  obey, 
And  place  and  time  are  subjects  to  thy  sway  ! 
Thy  pleasures  most  we  feel  when  most  alone, 
The  only  pleasure  we  can  call  our  own. 

ROGERS. 

Lull'a  m  the  countless  chambers  of  the  brain, 
Our  thoughts  are  link'd  by  many  a  hidden  chain  ; 
Awake  but  one,  and  lo,  what  myriads  rise ! 
Each  stamps  its  image  as  the  other  flies! 
Each,  as  the  various  avenues  of  sense 
Delight  or  sorrow  to  the  soul  dispense, 
Brightens  or  fades ;  yet  all,  with  magic  art, 
Control  the  latent  fibres  of  the  heart. 
As  studious  Prosperous  mysterious  spell 
Drew  every  subject-spirit  to  his  cell; 
Each,  at  thy  call,  advances  or  retires, 
As  judgment  dictates,  or  the  scene  inspires. 

ROGERS. 

Through  the  shadowy  past, 
Like  a  tomb-searcher,  memory  ran, 
Lifting  each  shroud  that  time  had  cast 
O'er  buried  hopes. 

MOORE. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


201 


AMARISK.     Tamarix.     Class  5,  PENTAN- 
DRIA.     Order:  TRIOYNIA.     It  was  a  cus- 
"tom  with  the  Romans,  to  put  wreaths  of 
this  flexible  plant  on  the  heads  of  crimi- 
nals ;  and  hence  they  mention  it  as  the  ac- 
cursed or  unhappy  tamarisk,  from  which 
we  have  devised  the  emblem. 
Criminal  love  engenders  deeds  of  wickedness  that  too  fre- 
quently deserve  the  wreath  of  tamarisk. 

CRIME. 

All  have  not  offended: 

For  those  that  were,  it  is  not  square  to  take 
On  those  that  are,  revenge:  crimes,  like  to  lands, 
Are  not  inherited.  * 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Where  sits  the  offence, 

Let  the  fault's  punishment  be  derived  from  thence. 

MIDDLE-TON. 

Nor  custom,  nor  example,  nor  vast  numbers 
Of  such  as  do  offend,  make  less  the  sin  ; 
For  each  particular  crime  a  strict  account 
Will  be  exacted;  and  that  comfort,  which 
The  damn'd  pretend,  follows  in  misery, 
Takes  nothing  from  their  torments :  ev'ry  one 
Must  suffer  in  himself  the  measure  of 
His  wickedness. 

MASSTNGER. 

The  laws  are  sinfully  contrived.     Justice 
Should  weigh  the  present  crime,  not  future 
Inference  on  deeds ;  but  now  they  cheapen 
Blood  ;  't  is  spilt 
To  punish  the  example,  not  the  guilt. 

DAVENANT. 


202 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ANSY.     Tanacetum.     Class  19,  SYNOENE-  i| 
SIA.     Order:    SUPERFLUA.     This  balsamic '! 
plant,  so  celebrated  of  old,  is  made  the  em-  j 
blem  of  resistance,  because  it  was  supposed 
to  act  against  contagion. 
Since  you  can  love,  and  yet  your  error  see, 
The  same  resistless  power  may  plead  for  me. 

DRYDEN. 

RESISTANCE. 


Before  my  door  the  box-edged  border  lies, 
Where  flowers  of  mint,  and  thyme,  and  tansy  rise. 

SCOTT. 

I  pr'ythee  take  thy  fingers  from  my  throat ; 
For  though  I  am  not  splenetive  and  rash, 
Yet  have  I  in  me  something  dangerous, 
Which  let  thy  wisdom  fear.     Hold  off  thy  hand. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Why,  I  will  fight  with  him  upon  this  theme 
Until  my  eyelids  will  no  longer  wag. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Must  I  give  way  and  room  to  your  rash  choler? 
Shall  I  be  frighted  when  a  madman  stares? 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Neither  the  king,  nor  he  that  loves  him  best, 
The  proudest  he  that  holds  up  Lancaster, 
Dares  stir  a  wing,  if  Warwick  stir  his  bells. 
I  '11  plant  Plantagenet,  root  him  up  who  dares. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

My  ashes,  as  the  Phoenix,  may  bring  forth 
A  bird  that  will  revenge  upon  you  all: 
And,  in  that  hope,  I  throw  mine  eyes  to  heaven, 
Scorning  whate'er  you  can  afflict  me  with. 

SHAKSPRARK. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


203 


EASEL.  Dipsacus.  Class  4,  TETRANDRIA. 
Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  flowers  of  the 
teasel  are  bristled  with  long  sharp  thorns, 
and  the  whole  plant  has  an  air  or  severity ; 
yet  it  is  useful  and  beautiful.  The  clothiers 
use  it  to  raise  the-  nap  upon  woollen  cloths, 
by  means  of  the  chaffs  on  the  heads. 


MISANTHROPY. 

With  purple  blooms  the  Teasel  deck'd, 
Concentrated  in  an  oval  crown  ; 
But  not  like  him  of  more  renown, 
Arrn'd  with  the  bended  awns,  that  pull 
Through  the  close  web  the  knotted,  wool, 
Raise  the  soft  downy  nap,  and  smooth 
The  texture  with  tenacious  tooth. 
Nor  skilful  art  a  tool  has  plann'd, 
To  match  that  gift  of  Nature's  hand. 

MANX. 

Be  abhorr'd 

All  feasts,  societies,  and  throngs  of  men ! 
His  semblable,  yea,  himself,  Timon  disdains: 
Destruction  fang  mankind  ! 

SHAKSPEARE. 

I  arn  Misanthropes,  and  hate  mankind. 
For  thy  part,  I  do  wish  thou  wert  a  dog, 
That  I  might  love  thee  something. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Nothing  I'll  bear  from  thee, 

But  nakedness,  thou  detestable  town! 

Timon  will  to  the  woods;  where  he  sha~  find 

The  unkindest  beast  more  kinder  than  mankind. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


[^204 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


HISTLE.  Carduus.  Class  19,  SYNGENE- 
SIA.  Order :  POLYGAMIA  ^EQUALIS.  This 
prickly,  though  somewhat  graceful  weed, 
has  given  its  title  to  a  Scotch  order  of 
knighthood.  It  might  be  said  the  Scotch 
order,  par  eminence ;  as  it  also-  bears  the 
name  of  St.  Andrew,  the  patron  saint  of 
that  nation.  The  collar  is  of  gold,  interlaced  with  flowers  of  the 
thistle,  and  bears  the  following  motto:  "  Nemo  me  impune  laces- 
sit."  None  shall  annoy  me  with  impunity. 

AUSTERITY. 

As  Cupid  was  flying  about  one  day, 
With  the  flowers  and  zephyrs  in  wanton  play, 

He  'spied  in  the  air, 

Floating  here  and  there, 
A  winged  seed  of  the  thistle-flower, 
And  merrily  chased  it  from  bower  to  bower. 

And  young  Love  cried  to  his  playmates,  "  See, 
I've  found  the  true  emblem- flower  for  me, 

For  I  am  as  light 

In  my  wavering  flight 
As  this  feathery  star  of  soft  thistle-down, 
Which  by  each  of  you  zephyrs  about  is  blown. 

See,  how  from  a  Rose's  soft  warm  blush 
It  flies,  to  be  caught  in  a  bramble  bush ; — 

And  as  oft  do  I, 

In  my  wand'rings,  hie 

From  beauty  to  those  who  have  none,  I  trow; 
Reckless  as  thistle-down,  on  I  go." 

So  the  sly  little  god  still  flits  away 

'Mid  earth's  loveliest  flow'rets,  day  by  day; 

And  oh!  maidens  fair, 

Never  weep,  nor  care 

When  his  light  wings  waft  him  beyond  your  power, 
Think  —  'tis  only  the  down  of  the  thistle-flower. 

TWAMLEY. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


205 


HORN  APPLE.  Datura.  Class  5,  PENT- 
ANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The  flow- 
ers of  the  datura  languish  beneath  their 
sombre  and  drooping  foliage  while  the  sun 
shines ;  but  at  the  approach  of  night  they 
put  forth,  and  are  reanimated.  Then  they 
display  their  charms  and  unfold  those  im- 
mense bell-shaped  petals  which  nature  has  formed  of  ivory  and 
stained  with  purple,  and  to  which  she  has  confided  a  perfume 
that  attracts  and  invigorates,  but  is  so  dangerous,  that  it  pro- 
duces ebriety  and  hysterics,  even  in  the  open  air,  on  those  who 
respire  it. 


DECEITFUL  CHARMS. 


Oh,  what  a  wild  and  wayward  child  am  I !  — 

Like  the  hungry  fool,  that  in  his  moody  fit 

Dash'd  from  his  lips  his  last  delicious  morsel. 

I'll  see  her  once,  Bianca,  and  but  once; 

And  then  a  rich  and  breathing  tale  I'll  tell  her 

Of  our  full  happiness.     If  she  be  angel, 

'Twill  be  a  gleam  of  Paradise  to  her, 

And  she  '11  smile  at  it  one  of  those  soft  smiles, 

That  makes  the  air  seem  sunny,  blithe,  and  balmy. 

If  she  be  devil Nay,  but  that's  too  ugly; 

The  fancy  doth  rebel  at  it,  and  shrink 

As  from  a  serpent  in  a  knot  of  flowers. 

Devil  and  Aldabella !  —  Fie !  —  They  sound 

Like  nightingales  and  screech-owls  heard  together. 

What!   must  I  still  have  tears  to  kiss  away?  — 

I  will  return  —  Good  night!  —  It  is  but  once. 

See,  thou  'st  the  taste  o'  my  lips  now  at  our  parting ; 

And  when  we  meet  again,  if  they  be  tainted, 

Thou  shalt  —  oh  no,  thou  shall  not,  canst  not  hate  me. 

MlLMAN. 


18 


206  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


HYME.  Thymus.  Class  14,  DIDYNAMIA. 
Order :  GYMNOSPERMIA.  The  active  quali- 
ties of  this  plant  are  duly  appreciated  by 
epicures,  since  it  excites  and  rouses  their 
"appetites,  by  rendering  every  dish  savoury 
in  which  it  is  used.  We  are  told,  that  the 
highest  flavoured  venison  is  always  found 
where  this  penetrating  herb  abounds.  Bees  seek  it  with  great 
activity :  the  honey  of  Athens  was  esteemed  the  best  in  the 
world,  on  account  of  the  thyme  which  grew  on  the  hills  which 
surrounded  that  city. 

With  shepherds  on  the  thyming  downs, 
I  love  to  pass  the  summer's  day. 

WILLIAMS. 


ACTIVITY 

O'er  fringed  heaths,  wide  lawns,  and  mountain  steeps, 
With  silent  step  the  artful  Thyma  creeps, 
Unfolds  with  fragrant  bloom  her  purple  flowers, 
And  leads  with  frolic  hand  the  circling  hours. 

ROW  DEN. 

Wise  men  ne'er  sit  and  wail  their  loss, 
But  cheerly  seek  how  to  redress  their  harm. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Take  the  instant  way; 
For  honour  travels  in  a  strait  so  narrow, 
Where  one  but  goes  abreast:  keep  then  the  path; 
For  emulation  hath  a  thousand  sons, 
That  one  by  one  pursue :  if  you  give  way, 
Or  edge  aside  from  the  direct  forthright, 
Like  to  an  enter'd  tide,  they  all  rush  by, 
And  leave  you  hindmost. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  207 


REFOIL,  or  PURPLE  CLOVER.  Trifo- 
lium  pratense.  Class  17,  DIADELPHIA.  Or- 
der :  DECANDRIA.  Tlie  provident  husband- 
man lays  up  a  good  store  of  clover  hay  for 
the  subsistence  of  his  cattle  during  the 
winter  months  :  his  earliest  spring  pastures 
are  also  covered  with  this  nutritious  plant, 
which  ensures  both  himself  and  his  stock  "  a  bed  of  clover." 

The  great  changes  which  have  taken  place  in  agricultural 
transactions  proves  the  justness  of  Atterbury's  remark,  that  "  a 
very  prosperous  people,  flushed  with  great  successes,  are  seldom 
so  pious,  so  humble,  so  just,  or  so  provident,  as  to  perpetuate 
their  happiness." 
Dryden  says, 

Some  men,  instructed  by  the  lab'ring  ant, 
Provide  against  th'  extremities  of  want. 

The  use  of  trefoil  in  armorial  bearings  is  of  great  antiquity. 
The  Dutch  clover,  Trifolium  repens,  is  dedicated  to  St.  PatricK 
it  being  the  shamrock  of  the  Irish. 

PROVIDENCE. 

I 

Just  as  a  mother,  with  sweet  pious  face, 
Yearns  towards  her  children  from  her  seat, 
Gives  one  a  kiss,  another  an  embrace, 
Takes  this  upon  her  knee,  that  on  her  feet; 
And  while  from  actions,  looks,  complaints,  pretences, 
She  learns  their  feelings  and  their  various  will, 
To  this  a  look,  to  that  a  word  dispenses, 
And  whether  stern  or  smiling,  loves  them  still:  — 
So  Providence  for  us,  high,  infinite, 
Makes  our  necessities  its  watchful  task, 
Hearkens  to  all  our  prayers,  helps  all  our  wants : 
And  even  if  it  denies  what  seems  our  right, 
Either  denies  because  'twould  have  us  ask, 
Or  seems  but  to  deny,  or  in  denying  grants. 

ANON. 


208 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


RUMPET  FLOWER,  ASH-LEAVED. 
Bignonia  Radicans.  Class  14,  DIDYNAMIA. 
Order:  ANGIOSPERMIA.  Separations  are 
eagerly  announced  by  the  trumpets  of  scan- 
dal and  ill-nature,  who  by  their  discordant 
sounds,  frequently  prevent  the  possibility  of 
a  re-union. 

The  gay  corollas  of  this  North  American  plant  drop  offj  leav- 
ing the  pistilum  destitute  of  protection,  and  hence  it  is  presumed 
the  emblem  was  devised,  for  where  attachment  is  so  slight,  sepa- 
ration becomes  easy. 

SEPARATION. 

Alas,  for  my  weary  and  care-haunted  bosom !  — 

The  spells  of  the  spring-time  arouse  it  no  more, 
The  song  in  the  wild-wood  —  the  sheen  of  the  blossom  — 

The  fresh-swelling  fountain  —  their  magic  is  o'er! 
When  I  list  to  the  streams  —  when  I  look  on  the  flowers, 

They  tell  of  the  Past,  with  so  mournful  a  tone, 
That  I  call  up  the  throngs  of  my  long-vanish'd  hours, 

And  sigh  that  their  transports  are  over  and  gone. 

From  the  wide-spreading  earth  —  from  the  limitless  heaven, 

There  have  vanish'd  an  eloquent  glory  and  gleam; 
To  my  veil'd  mind  no  more  is  the  influence  given, 

Which  coloureth  life  with  the  hues  of  a  dream. 
The  bloom-purpled  landscape  its  loveliness  keepeth  — 

I  deem  that  a  light  as  of  old  gilds  the  wave ;  — 
But  the  eye  of  my  spirit  in  heaviness  sleepeth, 

Or  sees  but  my  youth  and  the  visions  it  gave. 

CLARK. 

What!  keep  a  week  away?     Seven  days  and  nights] 
Eight  score  eight  hours?  and  lovers'  absent  hours, 
More  tedious  than  the  dial  eight  score  times? 
O  weary  reckoning! 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


209 


UBEROSE.  Polyanthes  Tuberosa.  Class 
6,  HEXANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA.  The 
highly  odoriferous  properties  of  this  eastern 
flower  have  caused  it  to  be  a  representation 
of  voluptuousness  in  the  floral  emblems  of 
the  Persians.  It  is  a  native  of  Java  and 
Ceylon. 


VOLUPTUOUSNESS. 

The  tuberose,  with  her  silver  light, 

That  in  the  garden  of  Malay, 
Is  call'd  the  mistress  of  the  night ; 
So  like  a  bride,  scented  and  bright, 

She  comes  out  when  the  sun's  away. 

MOORE. 

Go  to  your  banquet  then,  but  use  delight, 
So  as  to  rise  still  with  an  appetite. 
Love  is  a  thing  most  nice,  and  must  be  fed 
To  such  a  height;  but  never  surfeited. 
What  is  beyond  the  mean  is  ever  ill. 

HERRICK. 

Give  me  long  dreams  and  visions  of  content, 
Rather  than  pleasures  in  a  minute  spent: 
And  since  I  know  before,  the  shedding  rose 
In  that  same  instant  doth  her  sweetness  lose ; 
Upon  the  virgin  stock  still  let  her  dwell, 
For  me  to  feast  my  longings  with  her  smell. 
Those  are  but  counterfeits  of  joy  at  best, 
Which  languish  soon  as  brought  unto  the  test, 
Nor  can  I  hold  it  worth  his  pains,  who  tries 
To  inn  that  harvest  which  by  reaping  dies. 

KINO. 


210  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ULIP  TREE.  Liriodendron  Tulipifera. 
Class  13,  POLYANDRIA.  Order :  POLYGYNIA. 
The  tulip-tree,  improperly  but  very  com- 
monly called  poplar,  is  abundant  in  fertile 
soils,  throughout  the  middle  and  western 
states.  It  grows  to  the  height  of  80  or  100 
feet,  with  a  trunk  three  feet  and  upwards 
in  diameter.  The  wood  is  of  excellent  quality,  and  is  used  for 
a  great  variety  of  purposes,  even  forming  an  article  of  export  to 
the  north.  In  the  west  it  supplies  the  place  of  the  pine,  and 
red  and  white  cedars. 


RURAL  HAPPINESS. 


Ye  green-robed  Dryads,  oft  at  dusky  eve 
By  wondering  shepherds  seen,  to  forest  brown, 
To  unfrequented  meads,  and  pathless  wilds, 
Lead  me  from  gardens  deck'd  with  art's  vain  pomps. 
Can  gilt  alcoves,  can  marble-mimic  gods, 
Parterres  embroider'd,  obelisks,  and  urns 
Of  high  relief:  can  the  long,  spreading  lake, 
Or  vista  lessening  to  the  sight;  can  Stow, 
With  all  her  Attic  fanes,  such  raptures  raise, 
As  the  thrush-haunted  copse,  where  lightly  leaps 
The  fearful  fawn  the  rustling  leaves  along, 
And  the  brisk  squirrel  sports  from  bough  to  bough, 
While  from  an  hollow  oak,  whose  naked  roots 
O'erhang  a  pensive  rill,  the  busy  bees 
Hum  drowsy  lullabies  ?     The  bards  of  old, 
Fair  Nature's  friends,  sought  such  retreats,  to  charm 
Sweet  Echo  with  her  songs;  oft,  too,  they  met 
In  summer  evenings,  near  sequester'd  bowers, 
Or  mountain-nymph,  or  muse,  and  eager  learn'd 
The  moral  strains  she  taught  to  mend  mankind. 

WARTON. 


FLORA'S 

LEXICON. 

211 

ULIP.  Tulipa.  Class  6,  HEXANDRIA.  Or- 
der: MONOGYNIA.  On  the  banks  of  the 
Bosphorus  the  tulip  is  the  emblem  of  incon- 
stancy ;  but  it  is  also  the  symbol  of  the 
most  violent  love.  The  wild  tulip  is  found 
in  the  fields  of  Byzantium,  with  its  crimson 
petals  and  golden  heart. 


A  DECLARATION  OF  LOVE. 

Now  for  madcap  Isabel  — 

What  shall  suit  her,  pr'ythee  tell] 

Isabel  is  brown  and  wild ; 

Will  be  evermore  a  child ; 

Is  all  laughter,  all  vagary, 

Has  the  spirit  of  a  fairy. 

Are  you  grave1?  —  The  gipsy  sly 

Turns  on  you  her  merry  eye, 

And  you  laugh,  despite  your  will. 

Isabel  is  never  still, 

Always  doing,  never  done, 

Be  it  mischief,  work,  or  fun. 

Isabel  is  short  and  brown, 

Soft  to  touch  as  eider-down; 

Temper'd  like  the  balmy  south, 

With  a  rosy,  laughing  mouth ; 

Cheeks  just  tinged  with  peachy  red, 

And  a  graceful  Hebe-head; 

Hair  put  up  in  some  wild  way, 

Deck'd  with  a  hedge-rose's  spray. 

Now,  where  is  the  bud  or  bell 

That  may  match  with  Isabel  1 

Streaky  tulip,  jet  and  gold, 
Dearly  priced  whenever  sold ; 
Rich  in  colour,  low  and  sweet, 
This  for  Isabel  is  meet. 

Ho  WITT. 


212  FLORA'S    LEXICON.  || 

^USSILAGE,  SWEET-SCENTED.      Tus-  [' 
Jj    silago  Fragrans.     Class  19,  SYNGENESIA.  | 
Order:    SUPERFLUA.      That    a  European  || 
plant  of  such  an  exquisite  fragrance  should 
have   remained   unknown  until  the  nine- 
teenth century,  was  sufficient  to  have  in- 
duced M.  Villan  when  he  discovered  it,  to 
exclaim,  "  On  vous  rendra  justice" 

YOU  SHALL  HAVE  JUSTICE. 

As  thou  urgest  justice,  be  assured, 

Thou  shalt  have  justice,  more  than  thou  desirest. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

I  beseech  you, 

Wrest  once  the  law  to  your  authority : 
To  do  a  great  right,  do  a  little  wrong. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Impartial  are  our  eyes  and  ears; 
Were  he  my  brother,  nay,  my  kingdom's  heir, 
Now  by  my  sceptre's  awe  I  make  a  vow, 
Such  neighbour  nearness  to  our  sacred  blood 
Should  nothing  privilege  him,  nor  partialize 
The  unstooping  firmness  of  my  upright  soul. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Yet  show  some  pity. 

Angela.  —  I  show  it  most  of  all,  when  I  show  justice ; 
For  then  I  pity  those  I  do  not  know, 
Which  a  dismiss'd  offence  would  after  gall ; 
And  do  him  right,  that,  answering  one  foul  wrong, 
Lives  not  to  act  another. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

Justice,  like  lightning,  ever  should  appear 
To  few  men's  ruin,  but  to  all  men's  fear. 

SWETNAM. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


213 


ALERIAN.  Valeriana  Rubra.  Class  2, 
DIANDRIA.  Order  :  MONOGYNIA.  This  plant 
propagates  itself  with  equal  facility  in  the 
rich  borders  of  the  parterre,  or  in  the  dry 
crevices  of  old  wails,  hence  the  emblem.  It 
was  formerly  called  Selewale.  Chaucer 


Ther  springen  herbes  greto  and  smale, 
The  Licoris  and  the  Setewale. 


ACCOMMODATING  DISPOSITION. 

Kindness  in  women,  not  their  beauteous  looks, 
Shall  win  my  love. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

What  would  you  have?   your  gentleness  shall  force 
More  than  your  force  move  us  to  gentleness. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

What  thou  wilt, 

Thou  rather  shalt  enforce  it  with  thy  smile, 
Than  hew  to't  with  thy  sword. 

SHAKSPEARE. 

You  may  ride  us 

With  one  soft  kiss  a  thousand  furlongs,  ere 
With  spur  we  heat  an  acre. 

SHAKSPEAUE. 

When  your  head  did  but  ache, 
I  knit  my  handkerchief  about  your  brows, 
(The  best  I  had,  a  princess  wrought  it  me,) 
And  I  did  never  ask  it  you  again  : 
And  with  my  hand  at  midnight  held  your  head; 
And,  like  the  watchful  minutes  to  the  hour, 
Still  and  anon  cheer'd  up  the  heavy  time; 
Saying,  what  lack  you?  and,  where  lies  your  grief? 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ENUS'S  FLY-TRAP.  Dionaa  muscipula. 
Class  10,  DECANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA. 
The  Dionaea  muscipula,  for  there  is  only  one 
species,  possesses  a  most  curious  apparatus 
for  entrapping  insects.  The  genus  is  some- 
what allied  to  the  Silene  or  Catchfly,  and 
bears  at  the  extremity  of  each  of  its  long 
green  leaves,  which  lie  spreading  on  the  ground,  a  pair  of  large 
thick,  fleshy  lobes,  united  at  their  base,  and  fringed  at  the  mar- 
gins with  a  row  of  long  and  slender  spines.  One  might  fancy  |j 
that  this  plant  gave  the  first  idea  of  our  rat-trap,  and  its  mode  ofjj 
operating  is  very  nearly  the  same.  No  sooner  does  a  fly  alight  Ij 
upon  the  centre  between  the  two  lobes,  than  these  suddenly  eon- 
verge,  the  spines  meet  and  ciasp  one  within  another,  and  the  poor 
insects  suffers  imprisonment  and  death.  The  same  effect  is  pro- 
duced by  touching  these  lobes  with  a  pin,  a  straw,  or  any  small 
object ;  but  this  is  chiefly  observable  in  fine  warm  weather ;  the 
contractile  power  being  very  weak  in  winter.  Sir  J.  E.  Smith 
is  decidedly  of  opinion  that  these  decaying  carcases  are  service- 
able to  the  plant  by  administering  a  peculiar  air  to  it;  and 
M'Knight,  a  nurseryman,  near  London,  found  that  a  growing 
specimen  of  Dionsea,  upon  whose  leaves  he  laid  fine  filaments  of 
raw  beef,  was  much  more  luxuriant  in  its  growth  than  an  indi- 
vidual not  so  treated. 

DECEIT. 

What  man  so  wise,  what  earthly  wit  so  ware, 

As  to  descry  the  crafty  cunning  train, 

By  which  deceit  doth  mask  in  visor  fair, 

And  cast  her  colours  dyed  deep  in  grain, 

To  seem  like  truth,  whose  shape  she  well  can  feign, 

And  fitting  gestures  to  her  purpose  frame, 

The  guiltless  man  with  guile  to  entertain? 

SPENSER. 

Ah,  that  deceit  should  steal  such  gentle  shapes, 
And  with  a  virtuous  visor  hide  deep  vice  ! 

SHAKSPEARE. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


215 


ERVAIN.  Verbena.  Class  2,  DIANDRIA. 
Order :  MONOGYNIA.  In  superstitious  ages 
this  plant  was  not  only  used  in  religious 
ceremonies,  but  was  thought  to  possess  the 
power  of  repelling  witches  and  enchanters. 

A  rev'rent  fear,  such  superstition  reigns 
Among  the  rude,  ev'n  then  possess'd  the  swains. 

DRYDEN. 

In  ancient  times  the  ambassadors  or  heralds-at-arms  wore 
crowns  of  vervain  when  they  went  to  denounce  war,  or  give 
defiance  to  their  enemies. 

A  wreath  of  vervain  heralds  wear, 

Amongst  our  garlands  named, 
Being  sent  that  dreadful  news  to  bear, 
Offensive  war  proclaim'd. 

DRAYTON. 


SUPERSTITION. 

England  a  happy  land  we  know, 
Where  follies  naturally  grow, 
Where  without  culture  they  arise; 
And  tow'r  above  the  common  size; 
England,  a  fortune-telling  host, 
As  num'rous  as  the  stars  could  boast, 
Matrons,  who  loss  the  cup,  and  see 
The  grounds  of  fate  in  grounds  of  tea. 

CHURCHILL, 

Gypsies,  who  ev'ry  ill  can  cure, 
Except  the  ill  of  being  poor, 
Who  charms  'gainst  love  and  agues  sell, 
Who  can  in  hen-roost  set  a  spell, 
Prepared  by  arts,  to  them  best  known, 
To  catch  all  feet  except  their  own, 
Who  as  to  fortune  can  unlock  it, 
As  easily  as  pick  a  pocket. 

CHURCHILL, 


216  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


IOLET.  Viola.  Class  5,  PENTAHDRIA.  Or- 
der: MONOGYNIA.  Ion,  the  Greek  name  of 
this  flower,  is  traced  by  some  etymologists 
to  la,  the  daughter  of  Midas,  who  was  be 
trothed  to  Atys,  and  changed  by  Diana  into 
a  violet,  to  hide  her  from  Apollo.  The  beau- 
tiful modest  flower  still  retains  the  bashful 
timidity  of  the  nymph,  partially  concealing  itself  amidst  foliage 
from  the  garish  gaze  of  the  sun.  Hence  it  has  been  ingeniously 
given  as  a  device  to  an  amiable  and  witty  lady  of  a  timid  and 
reserved  disposition,  surrounded  with  the  motto — II  faut  me 
chercher — I  must  be  sought  after. 

MODESTY. 

Sweet  violets,  Love's  paradise,  that  spread 
Your  gracious  odours,  which  you  couched  bear 

Within  your  paly  faces, 
Upon  the  gentle  wing  of  some  calm-breathing  wind 

That  plays  amidst  the  plain ; 

If,  by  the  favour  of  propitious  stars,  you  gain 
Such  grace  as  in  my  lady's  bosom  place  to  find, 

Be  proud  to  touch  those  places  SCOTT. 

I  know  thou  art  oft 
Pass'd  carelessly  by, 

And  the  hue  so  soft 

Of  thine  azure  eye 

Gleams  unseen,  unsought,  in  its  leafy  bower, 
While  the  heartless  prefer  some  statelier  flower 
That  they  eagerly  cull,  and,  when  faded,  fling 
Away-  with  rude  hand,  as  a  worthless  thing. 
Not  such  is  thy  fate:  not  thy  beauty's  gift 
Alone  bids  thee  from  thy  bower  be  reft ; 
Not  thy  half-closing,  dewy,  and  deep  blue  eye; 
But  the  charm  that  doth  not  with  beauty  die. 
'Tis  thy  mild,  soft  fragrance  makes  thee  so  dear, 
Thou  loveliest  gem  of  the  floral  year !  TWAML.EY. 


^ 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


217 


IOLET,  WHITE.  Viola  Lactea.  Class  5, 
PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  Can- 
dour precedes  modesty,  of  which  the  blue 
violet  is  frequently  used  as  the  emblem. 
The  white  violet  is  the  same  flower,  still 
clothed  in  the  robes  of  innocence.  It  is 
rarer  than  the  common  violet,  and  as  pretty. 

CANDOUR. 


Make  my  breast 

Transparent  as  pure  crystal,  that  the  world, 
Jealous  of  me,  may  see  the  foulest  thought 
My  heart  does  hold. 

BUCKINGHAM. 

You  talk  to  me  in  parables: 
You  may  have  known  that  I'm  no  wordy  man; 
Fine  speeches  are  the  instruments  of  knaves 
Or  fools  that  use  them,  when  they  want  good  sense; 
But  honesty 
Needs  no  disguise  nor  ornament :  be  plain. 

OTWAY. 

The  brave  do  never  shun  the  light ; 
Just  are  their  thoughts,  and  open  are  their  tempers; 
Truly  without  disguise  they  love  or  hate; 
Still  are  they  found  in  the  fair  face  of  day, 
And  heaven  and  men  are  judges  of  their  actions. 

ROWE. 

'Tis  great — 'tis  manly  to  disdain  disguise; 
It  shows  our  spirit,  or  it  proves  our  strength. 

YOUNG. 

Her  words  are  trusty  heralds  to  her  mind. 

FORD. 


19 


'218 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ALL-FLOWER.  Cheiranthus.  Class  15, 
TETRADYNAMIA.  Order:  SILIQUOSA.  We 
are  told  that  the  minstrels  and  troubadours 
of  former  days  carried  a  branch  of  wall- 
flower as  the  emblem  of  an  affection  which 
continues  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of 
time,  and  survives  every  misfortune.  Dur- 
ing the  reign  of  terror  in  France,  the  violent  populace  precipi- 
tated themselves  towards  the  abbey  of  St.  Denis,  to  disinter  the 
ashes  of  their  kings  and  scatter  them  to  the  winds.  The  barba- 
rians, after  breaking  open  the  sacred  tombs,  were  affrighted  at 
the  sacrilege,  and  went  and  hid  their  spoil  in  an  obscure  corner 
behind  the  choir  of  the  church,  where  they  were  forgotten  amid 
the  horrors  of  the  revolution.  The  poet,  Treneuil,  some  time 
after  visited  the  spot,  and  found  the  sculptured  fragments  covered 
with  the  wall-flower. 


FIDELITY  IN  MISFORTUNE. 


Why  this  flower  is  now  call'd  so, 
List,  sweet  maids,  and  you  shall  know. 
Understand,  this  firstling  was 
Once  a  brisk  and  bonny  lasse, 
(Kept  as  close  as  Danae  was;) 
Who  a  sprightly  springall  loved, 
And,  to  have  it  fully  proved, 
Up  she  got  upon  a  wall, 
Tempting  down  to  slide  withall; 
But  the  silken  twist  untied, 
So  she  fell,  and  bruised,  she  died. 
Love,  in  pity  of  the  deed, 
And  her  loving  lucklesse  speed, 
Changed  her  to  this  plant,  we  call 
Now,  the  Flower  of  the  Wall. 

HERRICK. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


219 


ALL  SPEEDWELL.  Veronica  Arvensis. 
Class  2,  DIANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA. 
This  beautiful  plant,  that  attaches  itself  to 
old  walls, 

"  And  decks  his  branch  with  blossoms  over  all ;" 
reflecting  in  its  petals  the  azure  of  the  hea- 
vens, is  made  the  symbol  of  fidelity. 
Its  relative,  the  common  speedwell,  veronica  officinalis,  stands 
as  the  emblem  of  resemblance ;  the  Greek  name  of  speedwell 
meaning  true  image. 

Fairest  resemblance  of  thy  Maker  fair, 

Thee,  all  things  living  gaze  on.  MILTON. 

FIDELITY. 

How  shall  I  see  those  pleasant  fields  again, 

When  I  shall  miss,  whene'er  mine  eyes  I  bend, 
The  look,  the  smile,  of  that  beloved  friend, 
Who  made  this  world,  so  oft  a  world  of  pain, 

To  me,  oh,  more  than  happy!  —  Every  scene 
Was  here  familiar,  from  life's  early  morn, 
The  trees,  the  tow'r,  the  cliff,  the  hill-top  thorn; 

And,  long-accustom'd  on  my  arm  to  lean, 
I  oft  have  heard  her  say,  that  "  search  around 
The  earth,  no  spot  more  blissful  could  be  found." 

Thy  path  is  now  beyond  those  fading  hills, 
And  many  a  fear  my  anxious  bosom  fills, 

Which  Fancy  shapes  in  solitude !  but  yet, — 
I  know  thy  warm  and  honest  heart  replies, 
(A  tear  of  accusation  in  thine  eyes) 

"  Oh !  can  I  ever  these  or  thee  forget  1" 
Well !  be  thou  happy !  but  I  fear,  the  day 
Will  come,  when  I  with  aching  heart  shall  say 
(Watching  the  melancholy  show'rs  of  eve), 
"Why  didst  thou  ever  these  green  valleys  leave?" 

BOWLES. 


220 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ALNUT,  BLACK.    Juglans  Nigra.    Class 
21,  MONOECIA.    Order :  POLYANDRIA.     The 

black  walnut  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the 
United  States,  the  extreme  north  and  north- 
east excepted,  and  the  low  district  of  the 
southern  States,  where  its  absence  seems 
to  be  owing  to  the  nature  of  the  soil,  which 
is  either  too  sandy  or  too  wet.  It  requires  a  deep  and  fertile  soil, 
and  the  trunk  sometimes  attains  the  diameter  of  6  or  7  feet.  It 
is  one  of  our  largest  trees,  and  yields  to  none  in  the  majesty  of 
its  appearance.  The  nuts  are  sold  in  our  markets,  and  the  wood 
is  serviceable  for  a  variety  of  purposes. 


INTELLECT. 


The  walnut,  then,  approach'd,  more  large  and  tall, 
His  fruit,  we  a  nut  but  some  an  acorn  call: 
Jove's  acorn,  which  does  no  small  praise  confess; 
To  have  call'd  it  man's  ambrosia  had  been  best. 
Nor  can  this  head-like  nut,  shaped  like  the  brain, 
Within,  be  said  that  form  by  change  to  gain, 
Or  caryon  call'd  by  learn'd  Greeks  in  vain ; 
For  membranes  soft  as  silk  her  kernel  bind, 
Whereof  the  inmost  is  of  tenderest  kind, 
Like  those  which  on  the  brain  of  man  we  find; 
All  which  are  in  a  seam-join'd  shell  enclosed ; 
Which  of  this  brain  the  skull  may  be  supposed  : 
This  very  skull  enveloped  is  again 
In  a  green  coat,  his  pericranium: 
Lastly,  that  no  objection  may  remain, 
To  thwart  her  near  alliance  to  the  brain, 
She  nourishes  the  hair,  remembering  how 
Herself,  deform'd,  without  her  leaves  does  show; 
On  barren  scalps  she  makes  fresh  honours  grow. 

ANON. 

—  -=====,,:=== .jj 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  221 


ATER  LILY.  Nymphtea  Alba.  Class  13, 
POLYANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA.  The 
Egyptians  have  consecrated  to  the  sun,  the 
god  of  eloquence,  the  flower  of  the  Nym-  i 
phsea  Lotus.  This  flower  closes  at  evening,  | 
and  reclines  on  the  bosom  of  the  lake,  from 
the  setting  of  the  sun,  until  the  rising  of 
that  splendid  orb  on  the  succeeding  morn.  Flowers  of  the  lotus 
are  inwoven  in  the  head-dress  of  Osiris.  The  Indian  gods  also 
are  frequently  represented  on  the  waters  as  seated  on  this  flower; 
it  is  supposed  that  this  allegory  may  be  understood  as  an  allusion 
to  the  fable  of  the  world  rising  from  the  midst  of  the  waters. 


ELOQUENCE. 


Oh  come  to  the  river's  rim,  come  with  us  there, 
For  the  white  Water  Lily  is  wondrous  fair, 
With  her  large  broad  leaves  on  the  stream  afloat, 
Each  one  a  capacious  fairy-boat. 
The  swan  among  flowers  !    How  stately  ride 
Her  snow-white  leaves  on  the  glittering  tide! 
And  the  Dragon-fly  gallantly  stays  to  sip 
A  kiss  of  dew  from  her  goblet's  lip. 

TWAMLEY. 

O  eloquence !  thou  violated  fair ! 

How  art  thou  woo'd,  and  won  to  either  bed 

Of  right  or  wrong !   O  when  injustice  folds  thee, 

Dost  thou  not  curse  thy  charms  for  pleasing  him, 

And  blush  at  conquest  1 

HA  YARD. 

Thy  words  had  such  a  melting  flow, 
And  spoke  of  truth  so  sweetly  well, 
They  dropp'd  like  heaven's  serenest  snow, 
And  all  was  brightness  where  they  fell ! 

MOORE. 


19* 


222 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


HEAT.  Triticum.  Class  3,  TRIANDRIA. 
Order :  DIGYNIA.  Floral  hieroglyphics  have 
not  a  more  appropriate  emblem  than  that  of 
representing  riches  by  this  gift  of  Ceres. 

Without  content  no  man  can  be  rich,  and 
it  will  always  be  found  that  there  is  a 
greater  proportion  of  wealthy  poor  people, 
than  of  rich  in  content. 

What  riches  give  us,  let  us  first  enquire, 

Meat,  fire,  and  clothes;  what  more?  meat,  clothes,  and  fire. 

POPE. 

RICHES. 

Of  golden  wheat,  the  strength  of  human  life. 

PHILIPS. 

Why  dost  thou  heap  up  wealth,  which  thou  must  quit, 

Or  what  is  worse,  be  left  by  it  1 

Why  dost  thou  load  thyself  when  thou'rt  to  fly, 

Oh,  man !  ordain'd  to  die  1 

Why  dost  thou  build  up  stately  rooms  on  high, 

Thou  who  art  under  ground  to  lie? 

Thou  sow'st  and  plantest,  but  no  fruit  must  see, 

For  death,  alas !  is  reaping  thee. 

COWLEY. 

Riches,  like  insects,  while  conceal'd  they  lie, 
Wait  but  for  wings,  and  in  their  seasons  fly; 
To  whom  can  riches  give  repute  and  trust, 
Content  or  pleasure,  but  the  good  and  just! 
Judges  and  senates  have  been  bought  for  gold, 
Esteem  and  love  are  never  to  be  sold. 

POPE. 

Can  wealth  give  happiness?  look  round,  and  see 
What  gay  distress !  what  splendid  misery ! 
Whatever  fortune  lavishly  can  pour, 
The  mind  annihilates,  and  calls  for  more. 

YOUNG. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


223 


HITE  OAK.  Quercus  Alba.  Class  21, 
MoNfficiA.  Order:  POLYANDRIA.  The  White 
Oak  is  found  in  most  parts  of  the  United 
States,  but  in  general  too  thinly  scattered 
to  supply  even  the  local  demand.  It  abounds 
most  in  the  middle  States,  and  particularly 
in  west  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia.  Of  all 
the  American  oaks,  it  affords  the  best  timber  for  general  purposes, 
and  that  most  frequently  used,  being  strong,  durable,  and  of  large 
size ;  inferior,  indeed,  to  the  English  oak  in  strength  and  dura- 
bility, though  more  elastic. 

INDEPENDENCE. 

I  care  not,  Fortune,  what  you  me  deny : 

You  cannot  rob  me  of  free  Nature's  grace : 

You  cannot  shut  the  windows  of  the  sky 

Through  which  Aurora  shows  her  brightening  face; 

You  cannot  bar  my  constant  feet  to  trace 

The  woods  and  lawns,  by  living  stream,  at  eve : 

Let  health  my  nerves  and  finer  fibres  brace, 

And  I  their  toys  to  the  great  children  leave: 

Of  fancy,  reason,  virtue,  nought  can  me  bereave. 

THOMSON. 

Thy  spirit,  Independence,  let  me  share, 

Lord  of  the  lion-heart  and  eagle-eye, 
Thy  steps  I  follow  with  my  bosom  bare, 

Nor  heed  the  storm  that  howls  along  the  sky. 

Deep  in  the  frozen  regions  of  the  north, 
A  goddess  violated  brought  thee  forth, 
Immortal  Liberty!  whose  look  sublime 
Hath  bleach'd  the  tyrant's  cheek'  in  every  varying  clime. 

SMOLLETT. 


For  me,  my  lot  is  what  I  sought ;  to  be, 
In  life  or  death,  the  fearless  and  the  free. 


BYRON. 


224  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


HORTLE-BERRY.  Vaccinium  Myrtillus. 
Class  8,  OCTANDRIA.  Order :  MONOGYNIA. 
This  emblem  of  treason  is  only  found  on 
dreary  heaths  and  mountainous  situations, 
where  its  fruit  has  often  been  used  to  dis- 
guise the  face  of  the  proscribed.  The 
Whortleberry  is  probably  more  generally 

diffused  over  the  United  States  than  any  other  berry  or  fruit.     It 

is  a  favourite  at  all  tables. 

TREASON. 

Come,  stain  your  face  with  whortle-berry. 

ANON. 

Smooth  runs  the  water,  where  the  brook  is  deep, 
And  in  his  simple  show  he  harbours  treason. 
The  fox  barks  not,  when  he  would  steal  the  lamb. 

SlIAKSPEARE. 

He  therefore  wisely  cast  about, 

All  ways  he  could,  t'  ensure  his  throat, 

And  hither  came,  t'  observe  and  smoke 

What  courses  other  riskers  took; 

And  to  the  utmost  do  his  best 

To  save  himself,  and  hang  the  rest. 

BUTLER. 

How  safe  is  treason,  and  how  sacred  ill, 
When  none  can  sin  against  the  people's  will; 
Where  crowds  can  wink  and  no  offence  be  known, 
Since  in  another's  guilt  they  find  their  own. 

DRYDEN. 

Is  there  not  some  chosen  curse, 
Some  hidden  thunder  in  the  stores  of  heaven 
Red  with  uncommon  wrath,  to  blast  the  man, 
Who  owes  his  greatness  to  his  country's  ruin? 

ADDISON. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  225 

ILLOW.  Salix  Babylonica.  Class  22, 
DICECIA.  Order:  DIANDRIA.  The  botani- 
cal name  salix  is  derived  from  two  Celtic 
words,  sal,  near,  and  Us,  water.  The  wil- 
lows all  bear  catkins,  or  long  bunches  of 
blossoms,  some  of  which  are  very  showy 
and  handsome  and  sweet-scented.  The 
willows  are  not  a  very  ornamental  tribe,  but  we  are  so  accus- 
tomed to  see  them  growing  in  pleasant  places,  beside  romantic 
streams,  that  they  become  beautiful  by  association. 


FORSAKEN. 

The  Watery  Willow's  spray,  emboss'd 
With  oval  knots  of  silken  down ; 
Which  soon,  in  form  of  papal  crown, 
Shall  decorate  the  russet  stem 
With  many  a  golden  diadem. 

MANT. 

Thus  o'er  our  streams  do  eastern  willows  lean 
In  pensive  guise;  whose  grief-inspiring  shade, 
Love  has  to  melancholy  sacred  made. 

DELILLE. 

To  the  brook  and  the  willow  that  heard  him  complain, 

Ah,  willow !   willow  ! 

Poor  Colin  went  weeping  and  told  them  his  pain. 

ROWE. 

I  offered  him  my  company  to  a  willow  tree,  to  make  him  a 
garland,  as  being  forsaken ;  to  bind  him  up  a  rod,  as  being  worthy 
to  be  whipt. 

SlIAKSPEARE. 

In  love  the  sad  forsaken  wight 
The  willow  garland  weareth. 

DRAYTON. 


226  FLORA'-S    LEXICON. 


ILLOW  HERB.  Epilobium.  Class  8,  OCT- 
ANDRIA.  Order:  MONOOYNIA.  This  beau- 
tiful plant,  which  flourishes  by  the  water's 
side,  seems  to  take  pleasure  in  admiring 
itself  in  the  crystal  stream.  For  this  rea- 
son it  is  compared  to  a  vain  woman,  proud 
of  her  own  charms.  Mr.  London  says  that 
it  is  a  thriving  plant,  and  will  grow  anywhere,  under  the  drip  of 
trees,  and  in  smoky  cities,  parks,  &c.,  and  is  very  showy  when 
in  flower. 

PRETENSION. 

Appearances  deceive, 

And  this  ont  maxim  is  a  standing  rule, — 
Men  are  not  what  they  seem. 

HAVARD. 

Seems,  madam !   nay,  it  is ;  I  know  not  seems. 
'Tis  not  alone  my  inky  cloak,  good  mother, 
Nor  customary  suits  of  solemn  black, 
Nor  windy  suspiration  of  forced  breath, 
No,  nor  the  fruitful  river  in  the  eye, 
Nor  the  dejected  'haviour  of  the  visage, 
Together  with  all  forms,  modes,  shows  of  grief, 
That  can  denote  me  truly :  These,  indeed,  seem, 
For  they  are  actions  that  a  man  might  play: 
But  I  have  that  within,  which  passeth  show; 
These,  but  the  trappings  and  the  suits  of  woe. 

SHAKSPEARB. 

There  is  a  fair  behaviour  in  thee,  captain  ; 
And  though  that  nature  with  a  bounteous  wall 
Doth  oft  close  in  pollution,  yet  of  thee 
I  will  believe,  thou  hast  a  mind  that  suits 
With  this  thy  fair  and  outward  character. 

SHAKSPEARB. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


227 


INTER  CHERRY.  Physalis  AlkeJcergi. 
Class  5,  PENTANDRIA.  Order:  MONOGYNIA. 
We  present  this  berry  as  the  emblem  of 
deception,  since  it  assumes  all  tho  beauty 
of  the  cherry,  in  shape,  gloss,  and  colour- 
ing", but  is  entirely  destitute  of  the  agreea- 
ble taste  of  the  real  cherry. 

DECEPTION. 

He  seem'd 

For  dignity  composed  and  high  exploit: 
But  all  was  false  and  hollow. 

MILTON. 


A  villain,  when  he  most  seems  kind, 
Is  most  to  be  suspected. 


LANSDOWN. 


Thou  hast  prevaricated  with  thy  friend, 
By  under-hand  contrivances  undone  me ; 
And  while  my  open  nature  trusted  in  thee, 
Thou  hast  stepp'd  in  between  me  and  my  hopes, 
And  ravish'd  from  me  all  my  soul  held  dear. 
Thou  hast  betray'd  me. 

ROWE. 

The  man  who  dares  to  dress  misdeeds, 
And  colour  them  with  virtue's  name,  deserves 
A  double  punishment  from  gods  and  men. 

JOHNSON. 

'Tis  not  my  talent  to  conceal  my  thoughts, 
Or  carry  smiles  and  sunshine  in  my  face, 
When  discontent  sits  heavy  at  my  heart. 

ADDISON. 

The  world's  all  title-page;  there's  no  contents; 
The  world's  all  face;  the  man  who  shows  his  heart 
Is  hooted  for  his  nudities,  and  scorn'd. 

YOUNG. 


228  FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


OOD  SORREL.  Oxalis.  Class  10,  DEO- 
ANDRIA.  Order:  PENTAGTNIA.  The  wood 
sorrel,  vulgarly  called  "cuckoo's  bread," 
flowers  very  freely,  about  Easter.  This 
pretty  little  plant  shuts  its  leaves,  closes  its 
corollas,  and  the  flowers  hang  pendent  and 
drooping  from  the  stems.  They  seem  to 
yield  themselves  to  sleep ;  but  at  the  first  dawn  of  day  we  may 
say  that  they  are  filled  with  joy,  for  they  throw  back  their  leaves, 
and  expand  their  flowers ;  and  we  doubt  not  it  is  on  this  account 
that  peasants  have  said  that  they  sing  the  praises  of  their  Creator. 


JOY. 

Indeed  true  gladness  doth  not  always  speak: 
Joy  bred,  and  born  but  in  the  tongue,  is  weak. 

JONSON. 

Swell,  swell,  my  joys;  and  faint  not  to  declare 
Yourselves  as  ample,  as  your  causes  are. 

JONSON. 

True  joy  is  only  hope  put  out  of  fear ; 
And  honour  hideth  error  ev'ry  where. 

BROOKE. 

Wonder  and  joy  so  fast  together  flow, 
Their  haste  to  pass,  has  made  their  passage  slow; 
Like  struggling  waters  in  a  vessel  pent, 
Whose  crowding  drops  choke  up  the  narrow  vent. 

HOWARD. 

Wise  heaven  doth  see  it  as  fit 

In  all  our  joys  to  give  us  some  alloys, 

As  in  our  sorrows  comforts:  when  our  sails 

Are  fill'd  with  happiest  winds,  then  we  most  need 

Some  heaviness  to  ballast  us. 

FOUNTAIN. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON.  229 


t 


ORMWOOD.  Artemisia.  Class  19,  SYN- 
GENESIA.  Order:  SUPERFLUA.  Worm- 
wood is  considered  the  bitterest  of  plants. 
Its  scientific  name,  Absinthus,  is  derived 
from  the  Greek  and  signifies  —  without 
sweetness.  It  is,  therefore,  very  appropri- 
ately made  the  emblem  of  absence ;  which, 
according  to  La  Fontaine,  is  the  greatest  of  evils. 

To  be  separated  from  those  to  whom  we  are  devotedly  attached, 
is  assuredly  one  of  the  severest  trials  of  life ;  and  if  that  separa- 
tion be  involuntary,  or  only  in  obedience  to  those  who  have  the 
guardianship  of  our  early  years,  the  wretchedness  of  absence  is 
enhanced  three-fold.  There  is  all  the  anxiety  for  the  health  and 
comfort  of  the  absent,  without  any  opportunity  of  offering  conso- 
lation ;  for,  though  "  the  heart  alone  knows  its  own  bitterness," 
we  feel  that  the  sympathy  of  a  friend  can  often  alleviate  the 
deepest  distress. 

ABSENCE. 

Her  fancy  follow'd  him  through  foaming  waves 
Toj|istant  shores,  and  she  would  sit  and  weep 
At  what  a  sailor  suffers.     Fancy,  too, 
Delusive  most  where  warmest  wishes  are, 
Would  oft  anticipate  his  glad  return, 
And  dream  of  transports  she  was  not  to  know. 

COWPER. 

Yes, 

The  limner's  art  may  trace  the  absent  feature, 
And  give  the  eye  of  distant  weeping  faith 
To  view  the  form  of  its  idolatry ; 
But  oh  !  the  scenes  'mid  which  they  met  and  parted, 
The  thoughts  —  the  recollections  sweet  and  bitter, 
Th'  Elysian  dreams  of  lovers,  when  they  loved, 
Who  shall  restore  them? 
Less  lovely  are  the  fugitive  clouds  of  eve, 
And  not  more  vanishing. 

MATURIN. 

~20~~ 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


ARROW.  Achillea  Millefolium.  Class  19, 
SYNGENESIA.  Order:  SUPERFLUA.  Milfoil, 
or  Yarrow,  cicatrizes  all  wounds  made  by 
iron.  It  is  said  that  Achilles,  whose  name 
it  bears,  used  it  to  cure  the  wounds  of  Tele- 
phus.  Its  having  received  from  the  ancients 
the  name  of  this  celebrated  hero  renders  it 
n  very  appropriate  emblem  of  war. 


WAR. 

It  was  a  dread,  yet  spirit-stirring-  sight! 
The  billows  foam'd  beneath  a  thousand  oars. 
Fast,  as  they  land,  the  red-cross  ranks  unite, 
Legions  on  legions  brightening  all  the  shores. 
Then  banners  rise,  and  cannon-signal  roars, 
Then  peals  the  warlike  thunder  of  the  drum, 
Thrills  the  loud  fife,  the  trumpet  flourish  pours, 
And  patriot  hopes  awake,  and  doubts  are  dumb; 
For  bold  in  freedom's  cause,  the  bands  of  ocean  come. 

SCOTT. 

'Twas  bustle  in  the  court  below, 
"  Mount  and  march  forward !"  forth  they  go ; 
Steeds  neigh  and  trample  all  around, 
Steel  rings,  spears  glimmer,  trumpets  sound. 

SCOTT. 

Thus  while  they  looked,  a  flourish  proud, 
Where  mingled  trump,  and  clarion  loud, 
And  fife,  and  kettle-drum, 
And  sackbut  deep,  and  psaltery, 
And  war-pipe  with  discordant  cry, 
And  cymbal  clattering  to  the  sky, 
Making  wild  music  bold  and  high, 
Did  up  tie  mountain  come. 

SCOTT. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


231 


EW.  Taxus.  Class  21,  MONCECIA.  Order: 
POL\ANDRIA.  There  is  in  every  plant  some- 
thing which  either  attracts  or  repels  us. 
The  yew  tree  is  considered  by  all  nations 
to  be  the  emblem  of  sorrow.  Plants  are 
said  to  die  under  its  shade,  and  if  the  weary 
traveller  should  sleep  under  its  umbrageous 
|  branches  his  head  becomes  affected,  and  he  soon  feels  violently 
ill.  It  also  exhausts  the  earth  which  yields  it  nourishment. 
Our  ancestors,  guided  by  a  natural  sentiment,  considered  it  a 
fit  resident  in  the  cemetery,  and  so  destined  it  to  overshade  the 
tomb.  They  used  its  wood  for  bows,  lances,  and  cross-bows ;  and 
the  Greeks  also  employed  it  for  the  same  purposes. 

SORROW. 

Beneath  that  yew  tree's  shade, 

Where  heaves  the  turf  in  many  a  mouldering  heap, 
Each  in  his  narrow  cell  for  ever  laid, 

The  rude  forefathers  of  the  hamlet  sleep. 

GRAY. 

Both  you  two  have 
Relation  to  the  grave; 
And  where 
The  fun'rale  trump  sounds,  you  are  there. 

I  shall  be  made 
Ere  long  a  fleeting  shade; 

Pray  come 
And  doe  some  honour  to  my  tomb. 

Do  not  deny 
My  last  request,  for  I 

Will  be 
Thankful  to  you,  or  friends  for  me. 

HERRICK. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


INNIA.     Zinnia.      Class  19,   SYNGENESIA. 
Order:  POLYGAMIA  SUPERFLUA.  This  flower 
received  its  singular  name  from  a  German 
botanist,  Dr.  John  G.  Zinn.     We  have  many 
species  of  this  genus  in  America.     The  red 
„,,/  is  found  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi ; 
'<r    the  yellow  is  a  native  of  Peru ;  the  scqrlet, 
purple-flowered  and  slender-flowered,  of  Mexico. 

ABSENCE. 

Short  absence  hurt  him  more, 
And  made  his  wound  far  greater  than  before; 
Absence  not  long  enough  to  root  out  quite 
All  love,  increases  love  at  second  sight. 

MAY. 

I  do  not  doubt  his  love,  but  I  could  wish 
His  presence  might  confirm  it :  when  I  see 
A  fire  well  fed,  shoot  up  its  wanton  flame, 
And  dart  itself  into  the  face  of  heaven ; 
I  grant  that  fire,  without  a  fresh  supply, 
May  for  a  while  be  still  a  fire ;  but  yet 
How  doth  its  lustre  languish,  and  itself 
Grow  dark,  if  it  too  long  want  the  embrace 
Of  its  loved  pyle  1  how  straight  it  buried  lies 
In  its  own  ruins. 

MEAD. 

O  thou  that  dost  inhabit  in  my  breast, 
Leave  not  the  mansion  so  long  tenantless; 
Lest,  growing  ruinous,  the  building  fall, 
And  leave  no  memory  of  what  it  was  ! 
Repair  me  with  thy  presence,  Sylvia; 
Thou  gentle  nymph,  cherish  thy  forlorn  swain. 

SHAKSPEARE. 


11= 


Love  reckons  hours  for  months,  and  days  for  years; 
And  every  little  absence  is  an  age. 

DRYDEN. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON.  233 


BOTANY. 


BOTANY  is  the  science  of  plants.  It  teaches  their  natural  his- 
tory and  intrinsic  qualities ;  and,  to  facilitate  an  acquaintance 
with  these  particulars,  arranges  all  vegetables  in  classes,  orders, 
and  other  subdivisions.  This  arrangement  is  called  a  system. 
Various  systems,  or  plans  of  arrangement,  have  been  from  time 
to  time  proposed  ;  but  the  sexual  system  of  Linnaeus  is  at  present 
generally  received.  This  naturalist  has  drawn  a  continued  ana- 
logy between  the  vegetable  economy  and  that  of  the  animal ; 
and  has  derived  all  his  classes,  orders,  and  genera,  from  the  num- 
ber, situation,  and  proportion  of  the  parts  of  fructification.  In 
twenty-four  classes,  he  has  comprehended  every  known  genus 
and  species.  In  considering  a  plant  with  a  view  to  its  charac- 
teristics or  distinguishing  features,  it  is  divided  by  Linnreus  into 
the  following  parts,  making  so  many  outlines,  to  which  the  atten- 
tion of  the  botanical  observer  must  be  directed:  1.  Root;  2. 
Trunk;  3.  Leaves;  4.  Props;  5.  Fructification;  6.  Inflorescence. 
1.  The  root  consists  of  two  parts,  the  caudex  and  the  radicula. 
The  caudex,  or  stump,  is  the  body  or  knob  of  the  root  from  which 
the  trunk  and  branches  ascend,  and  the  fibrous  roots  descend,  and 
is  either  solid,  bulbous,  or  tuberous :  solid,  as  in  trees  and  other 
examples ;  bulbous,  as  in  tulips,  &c. ;  tuberous,  as  in  potatoes, 
&c.  The  radicula  is  the  fibrous  part  of  the  root,  branching  from 
the  caudex.  2.  The  trunk,  which  includes  the  branches,  is  that 
part  which  rises  immediately  from  the  caudex,  is  either  herba- 
ceous, shrubby,  or  arborescent,  and  admits  of  several  other  dis- 
tinctions, according  to  its  shape,  substance,  sur/ace,  &c.  3.  The 
leaves  are  either  simple,  as  those  that  adhere  to  the  branch  singly, 
or  compound,  as  when  several  expand  from  one  footstalk.  Leaves 
are  farther  described  by  various  terms  indicative  of  their  form 
and  outline.  4.  The  props,  those  external  parts  which  strengthen, 
support,  or  defend  the  plants  on  which  they  are  found,  or  serve  to 

20* 


234 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


facilitate  some  necessary  secretion :  as,  the  petiolus,  or  footstalk 
of  the  leaf;  the  pedunculus,  or  footstalk  of  the  flower ;  the 
stipula,  or  husk,  that  is,  the  small  leaves  that  generally  surround 
the  stalk  at  its  divisions ;  the  cirrhus,  or  tendril ;  the  pubes,  or 
down ;  the  arma,  or  defensive  weapon,  as  thorns.  5.  The  fruc- 
tification, or  mode  of  fruit-bearing.  6.  The  inflorescence,  or 
mode  by  which  the  flowers  are  joined  to  the  several  peduncles. 

The  various  parts  of  a  flower  are  arranged  under  distinct 
heads,  consisting  of  the  "  Calyx"  or  Empalement :  the  "  Blossom" 
or  Corolla :  "  Stamens"  or  Chives :  "  Pistils"  or  Pointals :  "  Seed 
Vessels"  or  Pericarpium,  and  "  Seeds"  or  Semina.  To  these  are 
to  be  added  the  "  Nectary"  and  "  Receptacle."  The  calyx  is 
formed  of  one  or  more  green  or  yellowish-green  leaves  placed  at 
a  small  distance  from,  or  close  to  the  blossom.  There  are  differ- 
ent kinds  of  calyxes,  as  the  perianthium  or  cup  near  the  flower, 
in  the  rose : — the  involucrum,  remote  from  the  flower,  in  umbel- 
liferous plants,  as  is  seen  in  the  hemlock  and  carrot: — the  catkin, 
or  amentum,  as  in  the  willow  or  hazel : — the  sheath,  or  spatha, 
in  the  snow-drop: — the  husk,  or  gluma,  in  wheat,  oats,  and  di£ 
ferent  kinds  of  grasses : — the  veil,  or  calyptra,  covering  the  fruc- 
tification of  some  of  the  mosses,  and  resembling  an  extinguisher: 
— the  curtain,  or  volva,  surrounding  the  stems,  and  attached  to 
the  pileus,  or  cap,  that  spreading  part  which  forms  the  top  of 
several  fungi,  and  covers  the  fructification,  and  which  in  the 
common  mushroom  covers  the  gills. 

The  Blossom  is  that  beautifully  coloured  part  of  a  flower, 
which  principally  attracts  the  attention.  It  is  composed  of  one 
,  or  more  petals,  or  blossom-leaves.  When  it  is  united  in  one,  as 
I  in  the  Polyanthus  or  Auricula,  it  is  termed  a  blossom  of  one  petal, 
•but  if  it  be  composed  of  many  parts,  it  is  then  said  to  be  a  blos- 
som of  two,  three,  or  many  petals. 

The  Stamens  are  slender  thread-like  substances,  generally 
placed  within  the  blossom,  and  surrounding  the  Pistils.  It  is 
composed  of  two  parts,  the  Filament  or  Thread,  and  the  Anther 
'.  or  Tip,  but  the  latter  is  the  essential. 

A  Pistil  consists  of  three  divisions,  the  Germen  or  Seed-bud, 
the  Style  or  Shaft,  and  the  Summit  or  Stigma ;  but  the  second 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


235 


is  often   wanting.     Some  flowers  have  only  one  Pistil :  others 
have  two,  three,  four,  &c.,  or  more  than  can  easily  be  counted. 
The  Seed- Vessel,  in  the  newly-opening  flower,  is  called  the  Ger-  j 
men ;  but  when  it  enlarges  it  is  termed  the  Seed- Vessel.     Some  ! 
plants  have  no  appendage  of  the  kind,  and  then  the  seeds  are l 
uncovered,  as  in  the  dead  nettle ;  the  cup,  however,  generally 
incloses  and  retains  the  seeds  till  they  ripen :  and  in  the  tribe  of 
grasses,  this  friendly  office  is  generally  performed  by  what  was 
previously  called  the  blossom.     Seeds  are  sufficiently  well  known 
to  render  a  description  unnecessary  :  the  part  to  which  they  are 
affixed  within  the  Seed-Vessel,  is  termed  the  Receptacle  of  the 
seeds. 

Nectaries  are  those  parts  in  a  flower  which  are  designed  to 
prepare  a  sweet  nectareous  liquor.  The  tube  of  the  blossom,  as 
in  the  honey-suckle,  frequently  answers  the  purpose;  but  in 
many  other  flowers,  there  is  a  peculiar  organization  for  the  pur- 
pose. At  the  base  of  the  petal,  in  the  crown  imperial,  the  Nec- 
tary is  a  very  peculiar  one,  containing  the  liquor,  from  which,  as 
there  are  few  flowers  in  a  greater  or  less  degree  unprovided 
with  it,  the  little  industrious  bee  derives  its  honey. 

The  Receptacle  is  the  seat  or  base  to  which  the  various  divi- 
sions of  a  flower  are  affixed.  Thus,  if  you  pull  off  the  Calyx, 
the  Blossoms,  the  Stamens,  the  Pistils,  and  the  Seeds  or  Seed- 
Vessel,  the  substance  remaining  on  the  top  of  the  stalk  is  the 
Receptacle.  In  many  plants  it  is  not  particularly  striking,  but 
in  others  it  is  remarkably  so;  thus,  in  the  artichoke,  after  remo- 
ving the  Calyx,  the  Blossoms,  and  the  bristly  substances,  the 
remaining  part,  so  highly  esteemed  for  the  table,  is  the  Recep- 
tacle. 

The  Classes  are  next  to  be  considered,  which  were,  according 
to  the  system  of  Linnaeus,  divided  into  twenty-four. 

The  characters  are  taken  either  from  the  number,  length,  con- 
nexion, or  situation  of  the  Stamens. 

The  first  class  comprehends  all  that  have  a  single  stamen  in 
each  blossom,  and  this  he  calls  monandria  (one  male) ;  the  second 
class  such  as  have  two  stamina,  called  diandria  (two  males) ; 


236  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


the  third,  fourth,  and  so  on,  up  to  the  tenth,  are  named  in  the 
same  way,  triandria  (three  males),  tetrandria  (four  males),  &c. 
&c.  There  being  no  plants  with  eleven  stamina,  and  the  num- 
ber not  being  uniformly  twelve  in  many  plants,  though  there  or 
thereabouts,  the  eleventh  class,  called  dodecandria  (twelve 
males),  includes  all  plants  that  have  from  eleven  to  nineteen 
inclusive.  If  the  stamina  are  twenty  or  more,  and  are  attached 
to  the  calyx  or  corolla,  the  plants  belong  to  the  twelfth  class. 
icosandria  (twenty  males).  If  above  nineteen,  and  attached  to 
the  base  of  the  flower,  and  not  to  the  calyx  or  corolla,  they  are 
of  the  class  polyandria  (many  males),  which  is  the  thirteenth 
class.  Plants  with  four  stamina,  two  of  which  are  shorter  than 
the  other  two,  are  in  the  fourteenth  class,  didynamia  (two  pow- 
ers). Plants  with  four  long  and  two  short  stamina  constitute  the 
fifteenth  class,  the  telradynamia  (four  powers).  In  monadelphia, 
which  is  the  name  of  the  sixteenth  class,  the  threads  of  the  sta- 
mina are  all  united  at  bottom,  but  the  anthers  are  separate.  In 
diadelphla  the  threads  are  united,  not  altogether,  but  in  two 
bodies.  In  polyadelphia  they  are  connected  in  three  or  more 
bodies.  If  the  threads  are  separate,  but  the  anthera?  united,  the 
plant  is  in  the  nineteenth  class,  syngenesia.  In  all  the  above 
classes  the  stamina  are  distinct,  and  separate  from  the  pistil lum ; 
but  where  the  former  grow  upon  the  latter,  the  plant  is  of  the 
class  gynandria,  which  is  the  twentieth.  Sometimes  the  sta- 
mina are  in  one  blossom,  and  the  pistillum  or  pistilla  in  another 
but  on  the  same  plant :  in  this  case  they  form  the  class  moncecia 
(one  house).  But  if  the  staminiferous  blossom  is  on  one  plant, 
and  the  pistilliferous  on  another,  it  is  of  the  twenty-second  class, 
diacia  (two  houses).  And  lastly,  if  some  blossoms  have  both 
stamina  and  pistilla,  and  others  only  one  or  the  other,  whether  on 
the  same  plant,  or  on  different  plants,  they  come  under  the 
twenty-third  class,  polygamia.  These  include  all  vegetables! 
whose  flowers  are  conspicuous.  But  there  are  some,  as  mosses, 
sea-weeds,  mushrooms,  &c.,  whose  flowers  are  inconspicuous,  or 
whose  parts  of  fructification  are  not  stamina  and  pistilla.  These 
are  all  arranged  together  in  the  twenty-fourth  class,  called  cryp- 
togamia. 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


These  24  classes  have  been  recently  reduced  to  20,  which  may 
be  thus  arranged  with  examples  under  each. 

TABLE  OF  THE  CLASSES. 

Class.  Stamens  in  each  Flower.  Examples. 

1.  Monandria  -  .  one - Mires-tail,  Parsleypiert. 

2.  Diandria two Privet,  Sage. 

3.  Triandria   -  -  three Yellow  Flag,  the  Grasses. 

4.  Tetrandria  -  •  four,  all  of  the  same  length Plantain,  Scabious. 

5.  Pentandria  •  •  five,  the  anthers  not  united Honeysuckle,  Primrose. 

6.  Hexandria  -  -  six,  all  of  the  same  length Snowdrop,  Asparagus. 

7.  Heptandria-  .  seven Horse  Chestnut. 

S.  Octandria eight Mezereon,  Heath,  Willowherb. 

9.  Enneandria  -  nine » ••-  Bay  Tree,  Flowering  Rush. 

10.  Decandria  •  •  ten,  the  filaments  not  united  ........ 

1 1.  Dodecandria  •  12  to  19 

12.  Icosandria  -  •  more  than  12,  fixed  to  the  calyx  or  petals 

13.  Polyandria  -  -  20  to  1000,  fixed  to  the  receptacle 

14.  Didynimia  •  •  four,  2  long  and  2  short • 

15.  Tetradynamia  six,  4  long  and  2  short 

16.  Monadelphia.  the  filaments  united 

17.  Diadelphia  -  -  in  1  or  2  sets,  blossoms  butterfly-shaped  -  • 

18.  Polyadelphia  •  in  3  or  more  sets 


•  Campion,  Pink,  Arbutus. 

•  Houseleek. 

•  Hawthorn,  Plum,  Rose. 

•  Poppy,  Larkspur,  Anemone. 
.  Ground  Ivy,  Foxglove. 

•  Cabbie,  Wallflower. 
Mallow  Geranium. 

•  Pea,  Furze,  Broom. 

•  Orange,  St.  John's  Wort. 


19.  Syngenesia  -  «  5  stam.  anthers  united,  flowers  compound  .  -  Coltsfoot,  Sunflower,  Thistle. 

20.  Cryptogamia  •  flowers  inconspicuous Fern,  Moss,  Liverwort,   Sea- Weeds, 

Mushrooms. 

A  knowledge  of  the  Orders  may  be  very  easily  attained,  by 
observing  that, 

In  the  class  Didynamia,  they  depend  upon  the  seeas  having  a 

seed-vessel,  or  not 

Tetradynamia,  upon  the  shape  of  the  seed-vessel. 
Syngenesia,  upon  the  structure  of  the  florets. 
Cryptogamia,  upon  the  natural  assemblages  of  plants  resem- 
bling each  other. 

And  that  in  all  the  other  classes,  excepting  Monadelphia,  Dia- 
delphia, and  Pnlvrulelphia,  they  depend  upon  the  number  of  pis- 
tils only,  la  determining  the  number  of  pistils,  count  the  styles, 
as  they  appear  at  their  bottom  part,  or  base ;  but  if  the  summits 
are  not  supported  upon  styles,  then  count  the  summits. 
Recapitulation  of  the  Classes,  with  their  attendant  Orders  and 

familiar  examples. 
Monandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Common  Stonewort 
Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Waver  Fennel. 
Tetragynia  (4  pistils)  Pond  weed. 


238  FLORA'S   LEXICON 


Diandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Privet. 

Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Sweet-scented  Vernal  Grass. 
Triandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Wild  Vine. 

Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Meadow  Foxtail. 
Trigynia . .  (3  pistils)  Small- water  Chickweed. 
Enneagynia  (9  pistils)  Blackberried  Heath. 
Tetrandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Shepherd's  Rod. 

Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Chickweed  Toadgrass. 
Trigynia . .  (3  pistils)  Common  Box. 
Tetragynia  (4  pistils)  Common  Holly. 
Pentandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Water  Mouse-ear. 
Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Common  Hop. 
Trigynia  .  .  (3  pistils)  Dwarf  Elder. 
Tetragynia  (4  pistils)  Grass  of  Parnassus. 
Pentagynia  (5  pistils)  Round-leaved  Sundew. 
Polygynia  .  (many  pistils)  Little  Mouse-ear. 
Hexandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Common  Snowdrop. 
Trigynia  .  .  (3  pistils)  Meadow-Saffron. 
Hexagynia  (6  pistils)  Saracen's  Birthwort. 
Polygynia  .  (many  pistils)  Water  Plantain. 
Heptandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Chickweed  Winter-Green. 
Octandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Rosebay  Willow-Herb. 

Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Common  Hazel-Nut  Tree. 
Trigynia  .  .  (3  pistils)  Snake  Weed. 
Tetragynia  (4  pistils)  Water  Wort. 
Enneandria. 

Order  Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Dog  Mercury. 

Hexagynia  (6  pistils)  Flowering  Rush. 
Decandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Wild  Rosemary. 


ij  FLORA'S    LEXICON.  239 


Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  London  Pride. 
Trigynia .  .  (3  pistils)  Greater  Stitchwort. 
Pentagynia  (5  pistils)  Cuckoo  Flower. 
Dodecandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Floating  Horn  weed. 
Digynia  ...  (2  pistils)  Common  Agrimony. 
Trigynia  .  .  (3  pistils)  Chestnut  Tree. 
Dodecagynia  (12  pistils)  Common  Houseleek. 
Icosandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Black-Thorn. 
Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Hawthorn. 
Trigynia .  .  (3  pistils)  Mountain  Ash. 
Pentagynia  (5  pistils)  Crab  Tree. 
Polygynia  .  (many  pistils)  Common  Meadow  Sweet. 
Although  this  is  called  the  class  of  20  Stamens,  because  the 
8  flowers  arranged  under  it  generally  contain  about  that  number; 
!  yet  the  classic  character  is  not  to  be  taken  merely  from  the  num- 
|  her  of  stamens,  but  from  a  consideration  of  the  following  cir- 
cumstances, which  will  sufficiently  distinguish  it  both  from  the 
preceding  and  following  classes. 

Calyx,  consisting  of  one  leaf,  concave. 

Petals,  fixed  by  claws  to  the  inside  of  calyx. 

Stamens,  more  than  19,  standing  upon  the  petals  or  calyx, 

(but  not  upon  the  receptacle). 
Polyandria. 

Order  Monogynia  (1  pistil)  Common  Celandine. 
Digynia  .  .  (2  pistils)  Upland  Burnet. 
Trigynia .  .  (3  pistils)  Wild  Larkspur. 
Pentagynia  (5  pistils)  Columbine. 
Hexagynia  (6  pistils)  Water  Aloes. 
Polygynia  .  (many  pistils)  Wood  Anemone. 
Most  of  this  class  are  poisonous. 
Didynamia. 

Order  Gymnospermia  (seeds  uncovered)  Red  Dead  Nettle. 
Angiospermia  .  (seeds  covered)  Common  Eyebright 
The  plants  in  the  first  order  of  this  class  are  odoriferous  and 
cephalic :  none  of  them  are  poisonous. 


240  FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


Tetradynaraia. 

Order  Siloculosa  (Pouch,  or  broad  Pod)  Horse-radish. 

Siliquosa  .  (long  Pod)  Wall-flower. 

It  is  necessary  to  remark,  that  the  flowers  of  this  class  have 
uniformly  4  petals ;  an  attention  to  this  circumstance  will  proba- 
bly save  the  learner  some  trouble,  as  the  difference  in  the  length 
of  the  stamens  is  not  always  very  obvious,  and  especially  as  the 
plants  of  the  Hexandria  class  have  none  of  them  4  petals. 
Monadelphia. 

Order  Triandria  .  (3  stamens)  Juniper  Tree. 

Decandria  .  (10  stamens)  Wood  Cranesbill. 
Polyandria  (many  stamens)  Common  Mallow. 
In  this  class  the  filaments  are  all  together  at  the  bottom,  but 
separate  at  the  top.     The  orders  in  this  and  the  two  following 
are  determined  by  the  number  of  the  stamens. 

Diadelphia. 

Order  Hexandria  (6  stamens)  Common  Fumitory. 
Octandria.  (8  stamens)  Common  Milkwort. 
Decandria  (10  stamens)  Common  Vetch. 
This  class  comprehends  the  butterfly-shaped  flowers.     From 
the  name  of  this  class,  the  joung  Botanist  will  be  induced  to 
imagine,  that  the  filaments  are  always  formed  into  two  sets,  but 
this  is  by  no  means  the  case,  as  in  many  instances  they  are 
united  into  one  set.     The  butterfly-shape  of  the  blossom  will 
therefore  (as  in  the  garden  pea)  be  a  more  certain  guide. 

Polyadelphia. 

Order  Polyandria.     Common  St.  John's  Wort. 
Syngenesia. 

Order  Polygamia  ^Equalis.     Florets  furnished  with  stamens 

and  pistils.     Common  Sowthistle. 
Polygamia  Superflua.     Florets  in  the  centre,  furnished 
with  stamens  and  pistils,  those  in  the  circumference 
with  only  pistils.     Groundsel. 

Polygamia  Frustanea.  Florets  in  the  centre,  furnished 
with  stamens  and  pistils,  those  in  the  circumference 
without  any.  Corn-flower. 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


2411 


Poly  gam  ia  Necessaria.  Florets  in  the  centre,  fur- 
nished with  stamens  and  pistils,  but  producing  no 
seed.  Those  in  the  circumference  with  only  pistils, 
and  producing  seed.  Marigold. 

Poly  gam  ia  Segregata.  (Separated  florets).  That  is 
when  several  florets,  each  having  its  own  proper  cup, 
are  inclosed  within  one  common  calyx,  so  as  to  form 
altogether  one  flower  only. 

The  Syngenesia  class  comprehends  those  flowers  which  Bota- 
nists have  agreed  to  call  compound.  The  essential  character  of 
a  compound  flower  consists  in  the  anthers  being  united,  so  as  to 
form  a  cylinder,  and  a  single  seed,  being  placed  upon  the  recep- 
tacle, under  each  floret.  The  Dandelion,  the  Thistle,  and  the 
Sun-flower,  are  compound  flowers,  that  is,  each  of  these  flowers 
is  composed  or  compounded  of  a  number  of  small  flowers,  called 
florets. 

The  Cryptogamia  class  consists  of  those  plants  in  which  the 
obscure  and  peculiar  fructifications  do  not  fall  under  either  of  the 
preceding  distributions ;  they  are  divided  into  five  orders. 

1.  Miscellanae — Miscellaneous.     Including  subjects  incapable 
of  arrangement  under  any  of  the  following,  and  in  many  respects 
disagreeing  with  one  another,  as  the  horsetail,  &c. 

2.  Filices — Ferns.     A  well-known  kind  of  production,   com- 
prising plants  which  have  their  flowers  disposed  in  spots  or  lines, 
on  the  under  surface  of  the  leaves,  as  in  the  Polypody  and 
Spleenwort,  though  sometimes  in  spikes,  as  in  the  Osmund 
Royal. 

3.  Musci— Mosses.     Familiar  subjects. 

4.  Hepaticae,  a  kind  of  mosses.     Distinguished  from  the  fore- 
going, by  a  difference  in  the  fructification. 

5.  Algse,  including  plants  which  scarcely  admit  of  a  division 
into  root,  stem,  and  leaf;  to  these  belong  the  different  kinds  of 
Lichens,  and  Fucus  or  Sea-weed. 


6.  Fungi  —  Funguses, 
rooms,  &c. 


Common  objects  comprising  mush- 


21 


242 


FLORA'S   LEXICON. 


"  Thus  have  we  given  a  sketch  of  the  Linnsean  division  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom  into  twenty-four  classes,  and  of  each  class 
into  two  or  more  orders. 

"  The  next  division  is  into  genera  or  families,  each  genus 
uniting  together  all  those  plants  which  bear  so  strong  an  affinity 
as  to  be  considered  members  of  the  same  family.  The  name 
given  to  the  genus  is  the  name  by  which  all  the  plants  of  that 
family  are  known:  thus,  the  genus  rosa  includes  all  the  different 
kinds  of  roses ;  salix,  which  is  the  scientific  name  for  willow, 
every  kind  of  willow ;  convolvulus,  every  kind  of  bindweed ; 
and  erica,  all  the  heaths.  The  distinctive  or  characteristic 
marks  upon  which  the  genera  are  founded,  are  always  taken 
from  the  shape,  position,  number,  or  some  other  property  of 
the  different  parts  of  the  flower,  as  the  calyx,  petals,  seeds, 
seed-vessels,  &c. ;  whether  they  be  round,  or  heart-shaped; 
whole,  or  divided ;  rough,  or  smooth ;  single,  or  many ;  and  the 
like. 

"  There  is  only  one  more  division  necessary  to  bring  us  down 
to  particular  plants.  For  instance,  I  have  found  that  my  newly- 
gathered  flower  is  a  rose,  a  convolvulus,  or  a  heath,  but  I  want 
to  know  what  kind  of  rose,  convolvulus,  &c.  For  this  purpose 
each  genus  is  divided  into  species,  the  characteristic  marks  of 
which  are  formed  upon  the  leaves,  stems,  roots,  or  any  other 
parts  of  the  plant,  except  the  flower ;  and  some  name,  called  the 
specific  or  trivial  name,  is  given  to  each  species  thus  charac- 
terized, which,  added  to  the  name  of  the  genus,  sufficiently  dis- 
tinguishes each  particular  plant :  thus,  there  is  the  salix  lanata, 
salix  latifolia,  salix  repens,  or  the  woolly  willow,  the  broad- 
leaved  willow,  the  creeping  willow,  and  several  others,  which 
are  all  species  of  the  genus  salix,  or  willow,  in  the  same  way 
that  the  long-eared  bat,  the  common  bat,  the  vampyre  bat,  and 
thp  horse-shoe  bat,  are  all  species  of  the  same  genus  vespertilio, 
or  bat. 

"  We  have  now  gone  through  all  the  divisions  and  subdivisions 
of  Linnaeus's  system  of  classification  for  the  vegetable  kingdom ; 
and  have  arrived  at  the  ultimate  object  of  our  research,  in 


FLORA   S    LEXICON. 


243 


ascertaining  the  family  and  species  to  which  any  individual 
plant  may  belong.  I  shall  now  elucidate  the  whole  by  an 
example. 

"  Suppose  that  you  have  found,  and  brought  home  from  your 
walk,  a  delicate,  blue,  bell-shaped  flower,  called  by  some  bell- 
flower,  by  others  Canterbury-bell,  and  by  others  again  blue-bell. 
You  naturally  wish  to  know  by  what  name  this  plant  is  distin- 
guished by  the  botanist,  what  name  all  scientific  men  in  every 
country  have  agreed  to  give  it,  that  you  may  be  at  no  loss  under 
what  name  to  look  for  a  description  of  it,  or  how  to  communicate 
to  others  any  observations  you  may  have  made  upon  this  plant 
yourself. 

"  In  the  first  place,  then,  examine  how  many  stamina,  or  how 
many  of  those  small  bodies  called  its  antherse,  are  to  be  found  in 
the  bell-shaped  corolla,  or  blossom ;  you  discover  five ;  now  run 
over  the  classes  of  Linnaeus,  till  you  come  to  that  which  is  dis- 
tinguished by  its  five  stamina;  this  is  called  pentandria,  and 
you  therefore  know  your  flower  to  be  in  this  class.  Next  look 
for  the  pistillum  or  pistilla,  of  which  in  this  plant  you  will  find 
only  one ;  this  characterizes  the  first  order,  called  monogynia, 
and  therefore  your  plant  is  in  the  class  pentandria,  and  order 
monogynia.  You  have  now  done  with  the  stamina  and  pistilla, 
jind  must  attend  to  the  other  parts  of  the  flower,  comparing  them 
as  you  go  on,  with  the  characters  of  all  the  genera  in  this  first 
order  of  the  fifth  class.  The  calyx  you  find  to  have  five  divi- 
sions, sharp,  and  not  quite  upright;  the  corolla  of  one  petal,  bell- 
shaped  with  five  clefts,  close  at  the  base;  shrivelling;  segments 
broad,  sharp,  open ;  seed-vessel  roundish,  of  three  or  four  cells  ; 
all  which  tallies  exactly  with  the  generic  character  of  campa- 
nula ;  this  therefore  is  the  genus,  and  you  have  now  only  to  find 
out  to  what  species  yours  belongs.  The  leaves  nearest  to  the 
roots,  and  which  are  generally  so  close  to  the  ground  as  to  require 
care  not  to  leave  them  behind  in  gathering  the  plant,  you  will 
find  to  be  round,  or  rather  heart-shaped,  or  sometimes  kidney- 
shapod,  whilst  the  leaves  on  the  stem  are  narrow,  and  strap- 
shaped  ;  this  determines  the  species,  and  in  this  your  flower 
agrees  with  the  character  of  that  called  rotundifolia.  You  have 


244 


FLORA'S    LEXICON. 


therefore  now  determined  your  plant  to  be  the  campanula  rotun-  |j 
difolia,  and  you  may  read  all  the  descriptions  of  this  plant  with- 
out a  doubt  as  to  its  being  the  same,  and  may  describe  to  others, 
where  you  found  it,  when  you  found  it,  and  what  else  you  know 
of  it,  without  any  fear  of  confounding  it  with  any  other  blue, 
bell-shaped  flower,  of  which  there  are  many,  both  of  this  and  of 
ether  genera."  See  Skrimshire'ts  Essays. 


INDEX   OF   FLOWERS. 


245 


INDEX    OF    FLOWERS. 


Flower.  Sentiment.                                                            Page 

Acacia Platonic  Love 13 

Acacia  Rose Elegance 14 

Adonis Painful  Recollections 15 

Almond Indiscretion 16 

Aloe Grief 17 

Amaranth Immortality 18 

American  Cowslip You  are  my  Divinity 19 

Amaryllis Haughtiness.    Pride 20 

American  EJm Patriotism 21 

American  Linden Matrimony 22 

American  Arbor-vita?. .. .  Immortality 23 

Anemone Forsaken 2-1 

Angelica Inspiration 25 

Apple  Blossom Preference r...  26 

A  rbor-vitm Li ve  for  me 27 

Ash Grandeur 28 

Aspen  Tree Excessive  Sensibility 29 

asphodel My  regrets  shall  follow  you  to  the  grave....  30 

Auricula Painting 31 

Azalea Romance 32 

Balm Sympathy 33 

Balsam Impatience 34 

Barberry Sharpness.    Sourness  of  Temper 35 

Basil Hatred 36 

Bay-berry Instruction 37 

Bay Reward  of  Merit 38 

Bee  Orchis Error 39 

Beech Wedded  Love 40 

Bell  Flower Constancy 41 

Birch Gracefulness 42 

Bird  Cherry Hope 43 

Bird's  Foot  Trefoil Revenge 44 

Blue  Bottle Delicacy 45 

Bonus  Henricus Goodness 46 

Box Stoicism.    Constancy 47 

Broom Neatness 48 

Bryony Prosperity 49 

Butter-cup Ingratitude 50 

Camellia  Japonica My  destiny  is  in  your  hands 51 

Canterbury  Bell Gratitude 52 

Cardinal  Flower Distinction 53 

Carnation Disdain 54 

Cherry  Tree Good  Education 55 

China  or  Indian  Pink  ...  Aversion 56 

China  Aster Variety  of  Charms 57 

Chrysanthemum Cheerfulness 58 

Clema  tis Artifice 59 

~~217*~ 


246 


INDEX   OF   FLOWERS. 


Flower.  Sentiment  Page 

Clematis,  English Traveller's  Joy 60 

Coltsfoot Maternal  Care 61 

Columbine Folly 62 

Convolvulus -,-  Uncertainty 63 

Convolvulus Humility 64 

Convolvulus,  Field Captivation 65 

Cranberry Hardiness 66 

Crocus Cheerfulness 67 

Cross  of  Jerusalem Devotion 68 

Crown  Imperial Majesty C9 

Cyclamen Diffidence 70 

Cypress Mourning 71 

Daffodil Chivalry 72 

Dahlia For  ever  thine 73 

Daisy Innocence 74 

Dandelion Oracle 75 

Dogwood Love  undiminished  by  Adversity 76 

Eglantine Poetry 77 

Elm Dignity 78 

Enchanter's  Nightshade..  Fascination 79 

Evening  Primrose Inconstancy 80 

Evergreen  Thorn Solace  in  Adversity 8J 

Fennel Strength go 

Fern Sincerity 83 

Flax I  feel  your  kindness 84 

Fox-glove Stateliness 85 

Fuchsia Confiding  Love 86 

Geranium Gentility  .   87 

Gitli  flower Lasting  Beauty 88 

Glory  Flower  . . ..» Glorious  Beauty 89 

Gorse Cheerfulness  in  Adversity 90 

Grass Utility 91 

Harebell Submission 92 

Hawthorn Hope 93 

Hazel Reconciliation 94 

Heart's  Ease Think  of  me 95 

Heath Solitude 96 

Heliotrope Intoxicated  with  pleasure 97 

Hickory Glory 98 

Holly Foresight 99 

Hollyhock Fruit  fulness 100 

Honesty,  or  Satin  Flower.  Honesty 101 

Honeysuckle Bonds  of  Love 102 

Hop Injustice 103 

Horse  Chestnut Luxu  ry 104 

Houseleek Vivacity 105 

Hyacinth Play 106 

Hydranger Boaster 107 

Ice  Plant Yo-ur  looks  freeze  me 108 

Iceland  Moss Health ]09 

Indian  Cress Resignation HO 

Iris Message 1]1 

Ivy Friendship 112 

Jasmine,  White Amiability 113 

Jasmine Separation 

Jonquil Desire 11 

Juniper Asylum.     Protection 116 

Kennedia Mental  Beauty 117  j 

Larkspur Ardent  Attachment 118 


INDEX   OF   FLOWERS. 


247 


Flower.  Sentiment  Page 

Laurel Glory 119   j 

Laurel,  Mountain Ambition 120 

Laurustinus I  die  if  neglected <« 121 

Lilac First  emotions  of  Love 122 

lily,  Superb Splendour 123 

Lily,  Yellow Coquetry 124 

Lily  of  the  Valley Return  of  Happiness 125 

Lily Purity  and  Modesty 126 

Linden  Tree Conjugal  Love 127 

Live  Oak Liberty 128 

Lobelia Arrogance 129 

Locust Vicissitude 130 

London  Pride Frivolity 131 

Lotos Estranged  Love 132 

Lucern Life 133 

Madwort,  Rock Tranquillity 134 

Magnolia High  Souled 135 

Maize Plenty 136 

Maple Reserve.    Retirement 137 

Marvel  of  Peru Timidity 13$ 

Marygold Inquietude 139 

Meadow  Sweet Uselessness 140 

Mezereon Desire  to  Please 141 

Mignonette Your  qualities  surpass  your  charms 142 

Miskitoe Parasite 143  ! ! 

Motherwort Concealed  Love 144 

Mountain  Ash Talisman 145 

Mouse  Ear Forget  me  not 146 

Myrtle Love 147 

Narcissus,  False Delusive  Hope 148 

Narcissus Egotism 149 

Night-blooming  Cereus  ..  Transient  Beauty 150 

Oak Hospitality 151 

Olive Peace , 152 

Orange-Tree Generosity 153 

Palm Victory 154 

Passion  Flower Religious  Superstition 155 

Periwinkle,  Blue Sweet  Remembrances J56 

Persicaria Restoration 157 

Persimon Bury  me  amid  Nature's  Beauties 158 

Pimpernel Assignation 159 

Pine  Apple You  are  perfect 160 

Pink Lively  and  pure  affection ' 161 

Plane  Tree Genius 162 

Plum  Tree Keep  your  promises 163 

Poplar,  White Time 164 

Poplar,  Black Courage 165 

Poppy Consolation  of  sleep 166 

Primrose Early  Youtli 167 

Pyrus  Japonica Fairies'  Fire 168 

duamoclit Busybody 169 

Rjigiird  Robin Dandy 170 

Ranunculus,  Asiatic You  are  radiant  with  charms 171  l! 

Red  Ray Love's  Memory 172  !i 

Red  Mulberry Wisdom 1731' 

R  os<- Bud Young  Girl 174 

Rose,  Hundred-leaved Grace 175 

Rose  Bud,  White The  heart  that  knows  not  love 17f 

Rose,  Wild Simplicity 17', 

Rose,  Sweet-Briar Imagination 178 


248 

Flower.  Sentiment  T;ige  \ 

Rose,  Yellow Infidelity 179  \ 

Rose,  White Silence 180  I 

Rose Beauty 181  | 

Rose,  Multiflora Many  Charms 182 

Rose,  Musk Capricious  Beauty 183 

Rose,  Moss Pleasure  without" alloy 184 

i  Rose,  Monthly Beauty  ever  new 185 

i  Rosemary. Your  presence  revives  me 186 

!  Rue Grace,  or  Purification 187 

Scarlet  Ipomcea I  attach  myself  to  you 188 

Scotch  Fir Elevation 189 

Snowdrop Consolation 190 

Spiderwort Transient  Happiness 191 

Starwort Afterthought 192 

Strawberry  Tree Perseverance 193 

Sun-Flower Lofty  and  pure  thoughts 194 

Sweet  Flag Fitness 195 

Sweet  Pea Departure 196 

II  Sweet  Sultan Felicity 197 

Sweet  William Childhood 198 

•  j  Sycamore Woodland  beauty 199 

i  j  Syringa Memory 200 

i  Tamarisk Crime 201 

|   Tansy Resistance 202 

Teasel Misanthropy 203 

Thistle Austerity 204 

Thorn  Apple Deceitful  Charms 205 

Thyme Activity 20 (j 

Trefoil Providence 207 

Trumpet  Flower Separation 208 

Tuberose Voluptuousness 209 

Talip  Tree Rural  Happiness 210 

Tulip A  declaration  of  Love 211 

Tussilage,  Sweet-scented.  You  shall  have  Justice 212 

Valerian Accommodating  Disposition 213 

Venus's  Fly-trap Deceit 214 

Vervain Superstition 215 

Violet Modesty 21(5 

Violet.  White Candour 217 

Wall  Flower Fidelity  in  Misfortune 218 

Wall  Speedwell Fidelity 219 

Walnut,  Black Intellect 220 

Water  Lily Eloquence 221 

Wheat Riches 222 

White  Oak Independence 223 

Whortleberry Treason 224 

Willow Forsaken 225 

Willow  Herb Pretension 226 

Winter  Cherry Deception 227 

Wood  Sorrel Joy 228 

Wormwood Absence 229 

Yarrow War 230 

Yew Sorrow 231 

Zinnia Absence     232 


Ji 


INDEX   OF  INTERPRETATIONS. 


249 


INDEX    OF    INTERPRETATIONS. 


Flowtr.  Page 

Absence Wormwood 229 

Absence Zinnia 232 

Accommodating  Disposition Valerian 213 

Activity Thyme 20G 

A  declaration  of  Love Tulip 211 

Afterthought Starwort 192 

Ambition Laurel,  Mountain 120 

Amiability Jasmine,  White 113 

Ardent  Attachment Larkspur 118 

Arrogance Lobelia 129 

Artifice Clematis 5'J 

Assignation Pimpernel 159 

Asylum.     Protection Juniper 11(5 

Austerity Thistle 204 

Aversion China  or  Indian  Pink 56 

Beauty Rose 181 

Beauty  ever  new Rose,  Monthly 185 

Bolster Hydranger 10 

Bonds  of  Loye Honeysuckle 102 

Bury  me  amid  Nature's  Beauties Persimon 158 

Busybody Quamoclit 169 

Candour Violet.  White 217 

Capricious  Beauty Rose,  Musk 183 

Captivation Convolvulus,  Field 65 

Cheerfulness Chrysanthemum 58 

Cheerfulness Crocus 67 

Cheerfulness  in  Adversity Gorse 90 

Childhood Sweet  William 198 

Chivalry Daffodil 72 

Concealed  Love Motherwort 144 

Confiding  Love Fuchsia 86 

Conjugal  Love Linden  Tree 127 

Consolation Snowdrop l!iO 

Consolation  of  sleep Poppy 106 

Constancy Bull  Flower 41 

Coquetry Lily,  Yellow 124 

Courage Poplar,  Black ItiS 

Crime Tamarisk 201 

Dandy Ragzed  Robin 170 

Deceit Venus's  Fly-trap Oil 

Deceitful  Charms Thorn  Apple -Htf 

Deception Winter  Cherry -227 

Delicacy Blue  Bottle 45 

Delusive  Hope Narcissus,  False 148 

Departure Sweet  Pea 196 

Desire Jonquil 115 

Desire  to  Please Mezereon 141 


JJ250  INDEX  OF   INTERPRETATIONS. 

i! 
I 


Sentiment  Flower.  f. 

Devotion Cross  of  Jerusalem 

Diffidence Cyclamen 70  i 

•  Dignity Elm 78  | 

Disdain Carnation 54 

Distinction Cardinal  Flower 53 

Early  Youth Primrose 107 

Egotism Narcissus 149 

Elegance Acacia  Rose 14 

Elevatio* Scotch  Fir 189 

Eloquence Water  Lily 221 

Error Bee  Orchis 39 

Estranged  Love Lotos 132 

Excessive  Sensibility Aspen  Tree 29 

Fairies'  Fire Pyrus  Japonica 168 

Fascination Enchanter's  Nightshade 79 

Felicity Sweet  Sultan 197 

Fidelity Wall  Speedwell 219 

Fidelity  in  Misfortune Wall  Flower 218 

First  emotions  of  Love Lilac 122 

Fi  tness Sweet  Flag 195 

Folly Columbine 62 

Foresight Holly 99 

Foreverthine Dahlia 73 

Forget  me  not Mouse  Ear 146 

Forsaken Anemone 24 

Forsaken Willow 225 

Friendship     Ivy 112 

Frivolity London  Pride 131 

Fruitfulness Hollyhock 100 

Generosity Orange-Tree 153 

Genius Plane  Tree 162 

Gentility Geranium 87 

Glorious  Beauty Glory  Flower 89 

Glory Hickory 98 

Glory Laurel 119 

Good  Education Cherry  Tree 55 

Goodness Bonus  Henricus 4(j 

Grace Rose,  Hundred-leaved 175 

Gracefulness Birch 42 

Grace,  or  Purification Rue 187 

Grandeur Ash 28 

Gratitude Canterbury  Bell 52 

Grief Aloe 17 

Hardiness Cranberry 66 

Hatred Basil 30 

Haughtiness.     Pride Amaryllis 20 

Health Iceland  Moss 109 

High  Souled Magnolia 135 

Honesty Honesty,  or  Satin  Flower 101 

Hope Bird  Cherry .     43 

Hope Hawthorn 93 

Hospitality Oak 151 

Humility Convolvulus 64 

I  attach  myself  to  you , Scarlet  Ipomcea IPS 

(  I  die  if  neglected Laurustinus 121 

i  I  feel  your  kindness Flax 84  i 

I  Imagination Rose,  Sweet-Briar 178  i 

Immortality Amaranth 18 

Immortality   American  Arbor-vita; 23 

Impatience Balsam 34 

Inconstancy Evening  Primrose 80 


INDEX  OF  INTERPRETATIONS. 


251 


Sentiment.  Flower.                                                  Page 

Independence ~ White  Oak 223 

Indiscretion Almond 16 

Infidelity Rose,  Yellow 179 

Ingratitude Butter-cup 50 

Injustice Hop 103 

Innocence Daisy 74 

Inquietude Marygold 139 

Inspiration Angelica 25 

Instruction Bay-berry 37 

Intellect Walnut,  Black 220 

Intoxicated  with  pleasure Heliotrope 97 

Joy Wood  Sorrel 228 

Keep  your  promises Plum  Tree 163 

Lasting  Beauty Gilliflower 88 

Liberty Live  Oak 128 

Life Lucern 133 

Live  for  me Arbor-vitae 27 

Lively  and  pure  affection Pink 101 

Lofty  and  pure  thoughts Sun-Flower 194 

Love ••  Myrtle 147 

Love's  Memory Red  Bay J72 

Love  undiminished  by  Adversity Dogwood 76 

Luxury Horse  Chestnut 104 

Majesty Crown  Imperial 69 

Many  Charms Rose,  Multiflora 182 

Maternal  Care Coltsfoot 61 

Matrimony American  Linden 22 

Memory Syringa 200 

Mental  Beauty Kennedia 117 

Message Iris Ill 

Misanthropy Teasel 203 

Modesty Violet 216 

Mourning Cypress 71 

My  destiny  is  in  your  hands Camellia  Japonica 51 

My  regrets  shall  follow  you  to  the  grave.  Asphodel 30 

'Neatness Broom 48 

!  Oracle Dandelion T5 

I  Painful  Recollections Adonis 15 

i  Painting Auricula 31 

j  Parasite Misletoe 143 

Patriotism American  Elm 21 

I  Peace Olive 152 

Perseverance » Strawberry  Tree 193 

Platonic  Love Acacia 13 

Play Hyacinth 106 

Pleasure  without  alloy Rose,  Moss * J84 

Plenty Maize 136 

Poetry Eglantine 77 

Preference Apple  Blossom 26 

I  Pretension Willow  Herb 226 

I  Prosperity Bryony 49 

!  i  Providence Trefoil 207 

' i  Purity  and  Modesty Lily 126 

Reconciliation Hazel 94 

'  Religious  Superstition Passion  Flower 155 

Reserve.    Retirement Maple , J37 

Resignation , Indian  Cress 110 

Resistance Tansy 202 

Restoration Persicaria 157 

Return  of  Happiness Lily  of  the  Valley 125 


252 


INDEX  OF  INTERPRETATIONS. 


Sentiment  Flower.  r»ge 

Revenge Bird's  Foot  Trefoil 44 

Reward  of  Merit Bay 38 

Riches Wheat 222 

Romance.... Azalea 32 

Rural  Happiness TulipTree 210 

Separation Jasmine 114 

Separation Trumpet  Flower 208 

Sharpness.    Sourness  of  Temper Barberry 35 

Silence Rose,  White 180 

Simplicity Rose,  Wild 177 

Sincerity Fern 83 

Solace  in  Adversity Evergreen  Thorn 81 

Solitude Heath 96 

Sorrow Yew 231 

Splendour Lily,  Superb 123 

Siateliness Fox-glove 85 

Stoicism.    Constancy Box 47 

Strength Fennel 82 

Submission Harebell 92 

Superstition Vervain 215 

Sweet  Remembrances Periwinkle,  Blue 156 

Sympathy Balm 33 

Talisman Mountain  Ash 145 

The  heart  that  knows  not  love Rose  Bud,  White 17G 

Think  of  me Heart's  Ease 95 

Time Poplar,  White 104 

Timidity Marvel  of  Peru 133 

Tranquillity Madwort,  Rock 134 

Transient  Beauty Night-blooming  Cereus InO 

Transient  Happiness Spiderwort 191 

Traveller's  Joy Clematis,  English CO 

Treason Whortleberry 2'J4 

Uncertainty Convolvulus 03 

Uselessness Meadow  Sweet 140 

Utility Grass 91 

Variety  of  Charms China  Aster 57 

Vicissitude Locust JHO 

Victory •  Palm 154 

Vivacity •• Houselcek 105 

Voluptuousness Tuberose 209 

War Yarrow 230 

Wedded  Love Beech 40 

Wisdom Red  Mulberry 173 

Woodland  beauty Sycamore 199 

You  are  my  Divinity American  Cowslip 19 

You  are  perfect Pine  Apple ICO 

You  are  radiant  with  charms Ranunculus,  Asiatic 171 

Young  Girl Rose  Bud 174 

Your  looks  freeze  me Ice  Plant 108 

Your  presence  revives  me Rosemary 186 

Your  qualities  surpass  your  charms Mignonette 142 

You  shall  have  Justice Tussilage,  Sweet-scented 212 


THE    END. 


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